Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say

PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say
May 25, 2025 12:19 PM GMT+03:00

Terrorist group PKK/YPG members in Syria are expected to surrender soon as they have no alternatives left, Turkish security sources told Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily, as part of ongoing developments in the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process and Syrian stabilization efforts.

Security sources monitoring the situation closely indicated that 90% of Free Syrian Army (FSA) and similar elements have accepted Syria's new administration, while PKK-linked YPG/PYD members face diminishing options.

Turkish security sources emphasized that the PKK terrorist organization's disarmament requires adequate time and should not be rushed with a hasty approach.

The sources stated that the inventory of weapons held by the terrorist organization is known, and there will be no problems regarding the surrender of these weapons.

Security sources noted that developments regarding the terrorist organization domestically and in Syria, Iraq, and Iran are being closely monitored, primarily by MIT (National Intelligence Organization).

PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say
PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say

Regional cooperation and challenges

The sources reported very good cooperation with the Iraqi administration on counter-terrorism efforts. However, regarding Iran, they expect similar understanding but noted they have not reached the desired level of support.

"We expect the same approach from Iran, but we have not been able to achieve the desired level of support," security sources stated.

Security sources reminded that YPG/PYD elements, as PKK extensions, have been using the Tishrin Dam as a threat and blackmail tool, leveraging water and electricity vital importance for Syria.

"They have no other alternatives or chances, so they will surrender in a short time," the sources indicated.

Syrian administration support and military cooperation

Turkish security sources revealed that Türkiye will assist Syria's new administration in establishing its security and military organizations.

The sources pointed out that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) will establish an air-land-sea base in Syria to combat the Daesh terrorist organization.

Security sources noted that a five-member mechanism, including Türkiye and regional countries, established to combat Daesh meets periodically, and maximum contribution will be provided to ensure Syria's security and stability.

This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish Presidential Press Service in Istanbul, Turkey on May 24, 2025, shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Syrias jihadist-turned-interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) shaking hands during their meeting. (Photo by HANDOUT / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT  AFP PHOTO / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT /    - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish Presidential Press Service in Istanbul, Turkey on May 24, 2025, shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Syrias jihadist-turned-interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) shaking hands during their meeting. (Photo by HANDOUT / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP PHOTO / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT / - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Critical Erdogan-Trump meeting ahead

Security sources emphasized that the upcoming meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump will be critical, noting that this discussion will lead to solutions for many issues related to Syria.

The sources highlighted that the U.S. will withdraw from Syria but will leave a symbolic base behind.

"Trump no longer thinks it would be beneficial for the US to be present in the Middle East. He knows Türkiye's dominance among regional countries very well. He doesn't want America to face difficulties in the future. As a country, we have already expressed at every opportunity that regional problems should be solved by regional countries, and other parties should not participate," security sources stated.

PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say
PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say

US Middle East strategy shifts

Security sources reminded that Trump offered a deal to Iran's administration, noting that if no middle ground is found, a US operation is on the agenda.

Sources believe Trump, who confronted CENTCOM on Middle East issues during his first term, will act very cautiously in his second term.

The sources noted that Trump's post-meeting discussions with Erdogan led to the lifting of sanctions, requiring underground and surface resources to be integrated into Syria's economy.

Syria's three key priorities

According to security sources, Syria's new administration has three priority areas:

  • First Priority—International Legitimacy: Gaining legitimacy and recognition on international platforms. Work is underway to make legal arrangements in a short time.

  • Second Priority—Economic Revival: Following sanctions removal after President Erdogan's meeting with Trump, underground and surface resources need to be integrated into the economy. Efforts are being made to bring international investors to the country and accomplish reconstruction and rebuilding work in a short period.

  • Third Priority—Territorial Integrity: Preserving territorial integrity and maintaining a unitary structure. Scenarios aimed at dividing the country are being rejected.
PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say
PKK/YPG expected to surrender soon as Syria 'stabilizes', Turkish security sources say

Counterterrorism operations continue

Security sources indicated that the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process continues with close monitoring of all regional developments.

The sources emphasized that cooperation with Iraq has reached a very good level in counter-terrorism efforts, while expectations remain for enhanced cooperation from Iran.

The establishment of Turkish military bases in Syria is planned as part of the broader strategy to combat Daesh and ensure regional stability following the completion of Syria's transition process.

May 25, 2025 12:20 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today