The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has called on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurdish forces, to "unconditionally comply" with the January 18 ceasefire agreement reached with the Damascus government. According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the agreement stipulates the disarmament of the SDF, the integration of its fighters into Syria's state military apparatus, and the transfer of controlled territories back to the central government.
During a press briefing, Turkish Ministry of Defense spokesperson Zeki Akturk stated that a significant portion of the underground tunnels used by the SDF in northern Syria has been destroyed. According to Akturk, operations carried out over the past week have successfully neutralized approximately 93% of the tunnel network in the region. This move is part of Ankara's broader strategy to eliminate what it perceives as security threats along its southern border.
US mediation and potential troop withdrawal
While Ankara considers the SDF a security threat due to its links with the PKK terrorist organization, the United States has historically supported the group. However, recent developments suggest that Washington is now favoring integration. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack met with SDF leadership, urging the parties to remain committed to the ceasefire and implement confidence-building measures. This shift comes as US President Donald Trump continues to evaluate regional security architectures and the efficiency of overseas military commitments.
Simultaneously, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is considering a complete withdrawal of its troops from northeastern Syria after a decade-long military presence. Experts believe that a withdrawal of the US military could leave the SDF isolated and without allies in the region. Ambassador Barrack noted that the partnership format originally established to combat ISIS must now evolve, as the central government of Syria is increasingly recognized as part of the international coalition efforts. This transition reflects a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, emphasizing state sovereignty and the consolidation of national military forces.
