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Türkiye’s Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yilmaz, said Ankara’s top priority is Syria’s stability and security and pledged continued support following Syrian government operations that led to the withdrawal of YPG/SDF elements from parts of Aleppo.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) during a visit to Aleppo, Yilmaz said Türkiye would continue to stand by Syria “in every way,” welcoming what he described as the Syrian government’s successful operation against terrorism in the city.
Yilmaz said a new political order has emerged in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in December 2024, adding that Türkiye supports an inclusive and pluralistic system representing all segments of Syrian society.
He said YPG/SDF control over large parts of Syrian territory, including fertile land, energy resources and border crossings, had posed a major obstacle to the country’s recovery.
Referring to the March 10, 2025, agreement between Damascus and the YPG/SDF, Yilmaz said the group failed to take the necessary steps to implement the deal.
Following attacks by the group, Yilmaz said Syrian forces launched operations in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, concluding with the withdrawal of YPG/SDF elements.
He said civilian casualties were limited and praised Syrian authorities for measures taken to protect civilians and allow armed elements to leave safely.
Yilmaz said Turkish institutions, including AFAD and the Turkish Red Crescent, provided humanitarian assistance during the operation, including shelter and food aid.
He added that terrorist activity in Aleppo’s city center had ended and displaced civilians had begun returning home.
He also said YPG/SDF elements relocated to Deir Hafir and Maskanah and later carried out suicide drone attacks on civilian neighborhoods in Aleppo, posing continued security risks.
On international involvement, Yilmaz said Washington played a constructive role in the March 10 agreement and ensured US-supplied weapons were not used during the Aleppo operation.
He welcomed the lifting of several US sanctions on Damascus, including those under the Caesar Act, calling it an encouraging sign for Syria’s reconstruction and future investment.
Yilmaz said Türkiye hopes YPG/SDF will comply with the agreement, adding that the group’s actions have harmed Syrian Kurds, whom he described as an essential part of Syria’s political future centered in Damascus.
He also pointed to growing potential in Turkish-Syrian trade, citing easing regulations and recent transit agreements as positive steps forward.
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