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Turkish security sources have identified a Qandil-linked group, led by Bahoz Erdal and associated with the PKK’s northern Iraq headquarters, as the organizers of a flag-related provocation at the Nusaybin–Qamishli border, according to Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily's Yucel Kayaoglu.
The incident occurred on Jan. 20, as Syria’s SDF chapter moves toward closure amid intensive negotiations and on-the-ground efforts by Ankara and Damascus.
According to the report, security sources said Qandil issued instructions to the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the SDF to carry out further provocations.
"The attack carried out by supporters of the terrorist group YPG on the Syrian side against our glorious flag along the Nusaybin-Qamishli border line is an overt provocation targeting our nation's peace and developments as part of the fight against terrorism," said Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.
Pro-YPG/SDF protesters used civilians as human shields while provoking security forces at the border during the Turkish flag incident.
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"High-level security measures have been implemented to prevent similar provocations aimed at bringing masses into confrontation," security sources stated.
Government assessments indicated the DEM Party's call did not receive the expected response, with officials stating, "Almost all of those who took to the streets appear to be the militant cadre of the terrorist organization and DEM Party."
Security sources emphasized that the four-day deadline given by the Damascus administration to the SDF is highly significant. Sources indicated that Qandil, opposing integration, has increased pressure on SDF, and PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan has re-entered the process to break the Qandil circle.
Assessments conducted in Ankara indicated that despite Qandil's pressure, SDF has no alternative but integration with the Damascus administration.
"The perception that SDF positioned itself as a military structure independent of and stronger than the Syrian army has collapsed along with ground realities," officials reportedly said.
"Evaluations revealed that SDF's claim of having a 100,000-strong force was 'nothing but propaganda,'" officials noted that the first to break away from the terrorist organization were those receiving monthly salaries.
The Turkish Defense Ministry announced Thursday an investigation into the incident.
"An administrative investigation has been launched into the attempt by terrorist organization sympathizers to cross the closed border gate in Nusaybin and the attack on our flag at the border gate," the ministry stated.
"The illegal border crossing attempt by a group of terrorist organization sympathizers in Nusaybin and the attack on our flag located in the old customs area is an organized provocation targeting our nation's sensitivities," the ministry added, concluding with, "The perpetrators of the incident have been identified by relevant state institutions and necessary action is being taken."
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