Turkey Pushing for ‘Elimination’ of Kurdish-Led, U.S.-Allied Syrian Democratic Forces

Latest Developments

Clashes Intensify Between SDF and SNA over Tishrin Dam: Clashes have escalated between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the U.S.-allied and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) over control of the Tishrin water dam on the Euphrates River. The SNA aims to expand its territory in SDF-controlled regions east of the Euphrates, while the SDF is focused on repelling the advance to protect the Tishrin Dam. Controlling the dam is crucial for the SDF to manage water resources and ensure a stable power supply in the area. More than 100 combatants from both sides have been killed since January 5.
French President Macron Reiterates Support for Syria’s Kurds: French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed support for Syrian Kurds on Monday, pledging not to abandon “freedom fighters.” On January 3, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed the need for a political solution involving France’s Kurdish allies to ensure their full participation in Syria’s political process.
Erdogan and Fidan Threaten Action Against Kurdish Forces: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to intervene to prevent Syria’s division, specifically targeting Kurdish forces. “We cannot accept any pretext for Syria’s fragmentation, and we will act if we detect any risk,” he said. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed this stance on January 6, declaring the “elimination” of the Kurdish YPG militia, the main component of the SDF, to be “imminent” and rejecting any policy allowing their presence in Syria.

FDD Expert Response

“Erdogan is gearing up for a military offensive against the SDF in Syria, and the world is asleep. Ankara is counting on the silence and reluctance of the West to object to Erdogan’s actions. At a recent press conference yesterday, Erdogan spoke of ‘coming in the middle of the night,’ telling Western powers not to shield the Syrian Kurds under the ‘pretense of counterterrorism.’ Such an act would seriously jeopardize Syria’s stability, the safety of civilians, regional allies like Israel, and the U.S. forces presently stationed there. Erdogan intends to dominate Syria’s future, permanently embed Turkey as the dominant power, and use Syria as a main base to threaten Israel.” — Sinan Ciddi, Non-Resident Senior Fellow

“The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, while following the advice of its patrons, is interacting with the new Syrian leadership in Damascus to integrate into a unified army. A key question is whether this unified army, once established, will participate in an offensive against northeastern Syria and SDF-controlled areas. This should be a point of concern for the United States, which continues to seek engagement with the new Syrian leadership.” — Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Research Analyst