Syria’s Unity and Territorial Integrity: Turkey’s Firm Stand

Erdogan Warns Against Dividing Syria and Asserts Turkish Defense of Borders

Turkey’s Call for Syrian Stability

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized on Tuesday that Syria must remain unified and intact. Speaking in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power, Erdogan made it clear that Turkey would oppose any attempts to fracture Syria’s territory or compromise its sovereignty.

“From now on, we cannot allow Syria to be divided again,” Erdogan stated. He stressed that Turkey would resist any attacks on the Syrian people’s freedom, the stability of their new administration, or their territorial integrity.

Turkey’s Stance on Kurdish Forces

For years, Ankara has viewed the Kurdish-led YPG in Syria as a significant threat. Erdogan’s government equates the YPG with the PKK, a militant organization that has waged a deadly insurgency in Turkey since the 1980s. Turkey has consistently taken military actions to weaken Kurdish control in northeastern Syria, where these forces have dominated since 2012.

This week, Turkish-backed forces intensified their efforts in northern Syria, capturing areas previously controlled by Kurdish fighters. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also warned Kurdish groups not to exploit Syria’s current political instability for territorial expansion.

Tensions Over the Golan Heights

Turkey has condemned Israel’s recent movements into a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a contested region captured by Israel in 1967. Following Assad’s ouster, Israel justified its actions as a temporary measure for security. Ankara, however, criticized these actions, reiterating its support for Syria’s territorial unity.

“In this sensitive period, when the possibility of achieving peace for the Syrian people is within reach, Israel is displaying its occupying mentality,” Turkey declared in a strongly worded statement.

Regional Implications and Turkey’s Role

Erdogan’s declarations underline Turkey’s strategic priorities: preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and safeguarding its own borders. Turkey’s military actions and diplomatic responses signal its determination to maintain regional stability while countering threats from Kurdish militants and external actors like Israel.

This unfolding scenario reflects a volatile period for Syria and its neighbors. Turkey’s firm stance will likely influence the region’s future trajectory, especially as Syria navigates the complexities of its post-Assad era.