Newsletters
The Turkish presidency has submitted a motion to Parliament seeking to extend the mandate allowing the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq and Syria for another three years, starting Oct. 30.
The motion, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, cited ongoing terrorist threats along Türkiye’s southern borders and the lack of lasting stability in the region as continuing risks to national security.
The text emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to preserving Iraq’s territorial integrity and stability, noting that the continued presence of PKK terrorist group and Daesh elements, as well as ethnic separatist efforts, pose “direct threats to regional peace and Türkiye’s security.”
It also stated that in Syria, terrorist groups including PKK/PYD-YPG and Daesh remain active and continue to threaten Türkiye, national security, and civilians.
The motion said PKK/YPG refuses integration with the Syrian central government due to its “separatist agenda,” obstructing efforts to achieve lasting stability in the country.
The document underlined the need to assist Syria’s efforts to strengthen counterterrorism capabilities, clear landmines affecting civilian life and returns, and support international operations to locate and eliminate chemical weapons.
Citing United Nations Security Council resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2249 (2015), and 2254 (2015), the motion reaffirmed Iraq and Syria’s territorial integrity and independence. It noted that Türkiye continues to participate in the international coalition against Daesh and other terrorist groups under these frameworks.
Under the proposal, the Turkish Armed Forces would be authorized to conduct cross-border operations against terrorist threats and to take necessary measures under international law to safeguard Türkiye’s national security.
The motion also allows, when necessary, for foreign armed forces to be stationed in Türkiye for the same objectives, with details to be determined by the president.
3 min read
