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Defense Minister Yasar Guler declared on Tuesday that the PKK and all affiliated terrorist organizations must surrender their weapons in Syria, issuing a stern warning as the country pursues its "Terrorism-Free Türkiye" initiative.
Speaking at a medal ceremony and awards presentation at the Ministry of National Defense, Guler emphasized that no terrorist organization would be permitted to establish roots in the region, specifically naming the PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF network.
"The PKK and all affiliated terrorist organizations must surrender their weapons in Syria," Guler stated. "There is no room for terrorism, especially for PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF."
The minister's remarks come amid growing attention on terror group SDF and questions about their potential integration into Syria's governance structure.
Türkiye has long viewed the YPG, which forms the backbone of the SDF, as a Syrian extension of the PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for decades.
Guler made clear that Türkiye's position extends beyond its own borders, demanding that PKK-linked groups lay down arms throughout Syria and all regions where they operate.
While acknowledging the "Terrorism-Free Türkiye" process launched under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, Guler outlined strict conditions for its success. He said Türkiye sincerely desires the process to succeed but insisted on complete disarmament as a prerequisite.
"For this to happen, the PKK and all affiliated groups must immediately end all terrorist activities in all regions where they are located, including Syria, within the scope of the dissolution decision, and must unconditionally surrender their weapons," the minister said.
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During the ceremony honoring military personnel and units for exceptional service, Guler praised the Turkish Armed Forces as the strongest pillar of security for the country's vision of becoming a "great and powerful Türkiye." He described the military's operational capabilities as improved and focused on high technology, maintaining effectiveness under all conditions.
The defense minister highlighted the coordinated operations of Türkiye's land, naval and air forces in counterterrorism efforts, border security, and protection of maritime jurisdiction areas. He credited Turkish soldiers with bringing terrorism to the point of elimination through their extraordinary efforts.
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