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Separatist projects in Syria have “no future,” Türkiye’s permanent representative to the United Nations said as the Syrian Army began transferring members of the YPG/SDF terrorist group under an internationally mediated agreement.
Speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting, Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz said recent developments showed growing support for Syria’s central government and demonstrated that Syrian society would no longer tolerate what he described as the so-called SDF.
“The future of separatist and divisive projects targeting Syria’s unity does not exist,” Yildiz said, adding that the YPG/SDF was neither Syrian nor democratic but an extension of PKK/YPG terrorists.
The transfer marks the first step in implementing a Jan. 18 agreement reached between the Syrian government and the SDF, under which SDF forces are to withdraw east of the Euphrates River and hand over administrative and security control of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces to the Syrian state.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire earlier this week, calling for the integration of SDF members into state institutions.
Syrian authorities said the process aligns with the government’s vision to reactivate institutions across the country, uphold the rule of law, and preserve social stability.
At the Security Council, Yildiz said Syria had regained control over much of its territory, much of which had been unlawfully seized by groups exploiting prolonged instability and committing serious abuses against civilians.
He described reports of mass killings by terrorist elements as “extremely concerning” and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for a united, sovereign and independent Syria where all ethnic and religious groups live together.
Yildiz said Türkiye views the ceasefire and full integration agreement as an important step toward lasting peace and stability, adding that genuine commitment on the ground could pave the way for real integration.
Separately, Syria’s U.N. envoy Ibrahim Olabi condemned what he described as YPG/SDF attempts to use Daesh detainees as a political pressure tool.
He said the group had violated ceasefire agreements and warned that Syria would hold the YPG/SDF fully responsible for any security breaches involving Daesh prisoners.
Syrian authorities confirmed they have secured the al-Hol camp after YPG/SDF forces withdrew, stressing that protecting civilians and preventing a resurgence of terrorism remain national priorities.
The Syrian army also accused the YPG/SDF of spreading fabricated videos and false rumors to intimidate civilians, particularly Kurdish communities, emphasizing that Kurds are an inseparable part of Syrian society.
Earlier Thursday, the Syrian army announced it had begun transferring YPG/SDF members from al-Aktan Prison northeast of Raqqa to the outskirts of eastern Aleppo.
The move includes around 800 members, both Syrian nationals and foreign elements, and is being carried out under an agreement reached through international mediation aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring state sovereignty.
According to state-run media, those transferred are carrying only light personal weapons and are escorted by Syrian army units to ensure security and order.
The agreement seeks to prevent military escalation and facilitate the peaceful transfer of administrative and security authority, particularly in Raqqa.
Syrian authorities said the Interior Ministry has taken over al-Aktan Prison, including sections holding Daesh detainees. Specialized teams have begun reviewing detainees’ legal and judicial files, with officials stressing that each case will be handled individually in line with Syrian law.
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