Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Türkiye says YPG/SDF must unconditionally comply with integration agreements

Syrian government forces stand on a tank loaded on a truck along a road in the area of Khirbat At Tamr, south of the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria, on January 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Photo
BigPhoto
Syrian government forces stand on a tank loaded on a truck along a road in the area of Khirbat At Tamr, south of the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria, on January 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)
January 22, 2026 12:49 PM GMT+03:00

The terrorist organization YPG/SDF's unconditional compliance with the March 10 and Jan. 18 agreements and initiation of integration is critically important for establishing lasting stability in Syria, Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND) sources said Thursday.

"The Syrian government is conducting counterterrorism operations along a line extending from Aleppo to other regions. The purpose of these operations is to establish public order and ensure the safety of its citizens," the ministry sources said during its weekly press briefing.

"Our country will continue to support the fight against terrorist organizations and the enhancement of defense capacity on the basis of Syria's unity and territorial integrity, in line with the principle of 'One State, One Army,'" the ministry added.

A young person holds a Syrian flag as Syrian families wait for their loved ones around al-Aktan prison, near Raqqa on January 21, 2026. (AA Photo)
A young person holds a Syrian flag as Syrian families wait for their loved ones around al-Aktan prison, near Raqqa on January 21, 2026. (AA Photo)

Investigation launched over attack on Turkish flag at Nusaybin border

The ministry sources also announced that an administrative investigation has been launched regarding the attack on the Turkish flag at the Nusaybin border.

"In Nusaybin, an illegal border crossing attempt by a group of terror organization sympathizers and an attack on our flag located in the old customs area is an organized provocation targeting the sensitivities of our nation," the ministry sources said.

"The perpetrators of the incident have been identified by the relevant institutions of our state, and necessary actions are being taken.

Additionally, as with every incident, an administrative investigation has been immediately launched regarding this incident," the statement added.

Pro-YPG/SDF protesters on the Syrian side of the Nusaybin crossing with Türkiye, in Syria on January 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Pro-YPG/SDF protesters on the Syrian side of the Nusaybin crossing with Türkiye, in Syria on January 20, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Eurofighter procurement talks 'progressing positively'

The ministry provided details on Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu's Qatar visit on Jan. 18-19.

"On Jan. 18-19, 2026, a trilateral meeting was held to discuss the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft procurement process, hosted by the Qatar Air Force Commander with the participation of the Royal Air Force Commander," the ministry sources said.

"Training processes before the procurement of aircraft and other steps to be taken were discussed at the meeting. Talks are progressing positively," the statement added.

Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu during trilateral talks with his Qatari and British counterparts in Doha, Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo via X/@tcsavunma)
Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu during trilateral talks with his Qatari and British counterparts in Doha, Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo via X/@tcsavunma)

Suleyman Shah Tomb: Action when conditions allow

The ministry said it is closely following recent developments in Syria regarding the Suleyman Shah Tomb.

"If appropriate conditions are formed on the ground, the necessary measures will be taken on this matter," the ministry sources said.

A view from the area where the land of the Suleyman Shah Tomb is located after the Syrian Army recaptured from SDF in the village of Karakozak, Syria on January 21, 2026. (AA Photo)
A view from the area where the land of the Suleyman Shah Tomb is located after the Syrian Army recaptured from SDF in the village of Karakozak, Syria on January 21, 2026. (AA Photo)

No official request from Syria to Türkiye on Daesh prisons

The ministry sources lastly stated there has been no official request from Syrian authorities to Türkiye regarding Daesh prisons and camps.

"There is no official request from Syrian authorities to our country regarding prisons and camps where Daesh terrorists are held," the ministry sources said.

Gaza peace efforts welcomed by Ankara, 'Israel must comply'

Defense Ministry Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, speaking at the weekly briefing, welcomed progress on the Gaza peace plan.

"The transition to the second phase of the Gaza Plan, the establishment of the Palestinian Technocrat Committee to administer the Gaza Strip, and the continuation of efforts to establish the Board of Peace and its organs are pleasing," Akturk said.

"However, for the establishment of lasting peace in Gaza and ensuring stability in the region, it remains important that Israel acts in accordance with all these efforts and agreements, ceases ceasefire violations, and does not disrupt humanitarian aid, and that the international community follows up on this," he added.

The ministry also reported that three more PKK terrorists surrendered in the past week, with mine and improvised explosive device (IED) clearance operations continuing at borders and beyond.

"With 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of tunnels destroyed in the last week, 93% (450 kilometers) of tunnel lines detected in Manbij have been successfully destroyed. Thus, the length of tunnels destroyed in Syrian Operation Areas has reached 752 kilometers (Tel Rifaat: 302 / Manbij: 450)," Akturk noted.

January 22, 2026 12:49 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today