Turkey’s Erdogan targets ISIS and PKK in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called for the eradication of terrorist groups operating in Syria, specifically naming the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Speaking to the press upon his return from a summit in Cairo, Erdogan emphasized the need for decisive action to eliminate these groups, which he described as a threat to Syria’s survival.

“Daesh, the PKK, and their associates, which threaten Syria’s existence, must be eradicated,” Erdogan declared, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS.

He further stated:

“It is time to neutralize the terrorist organizations operating in Syria.”

Turkey has long been vocal about its concerns over terrorist activities in Syria, viewing groups like the PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG (People’s Protection Units), as existential threats. Ankara considers the PKK a terrorist organization due to its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.

Erdogan’s remarks come amid growing regional efforts to stabilize Syria following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and ongoing tensions with various armed factions in the region.

Erdogan’s comments reflect Turkey’s strategic priorities in Syria, where Ankara has been actively involved through military operations and diplomatic initiatives. 

His call for the eradication of terrorist groups aligns with Turkey’s broader security goals, including the creation of a safe zone along its border and efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees.