Ankara, Türkiye – Türkiye announced on Tuesday that its forces had killed 13 Kurdish militants in northern Syria and two in Iraq, as it continues its military operations against groups it deems threats to its national security. The strikes come amid expectations that the new US administration under Donald Trump may reconsider American support for Kurdish forces in Syria.
According to the Turkish Defence Ministry, the militants “neutralised” in Syria were members of both the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG)—groups that Ankara considers interchangeable and classifies as terrorist organisations. The United States, however, makes a distinction, recognising the PKK as a terrorist group while supporting the YPG as a key ally in the fight against ISIS.
Tensions over US support for Kurdish groups
For years, Türkiye has urged Washington to cut ties with the YPG, arguing that its affiliation with the PKK makes it a threat to Türkiye’s national security. The PKK, which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is banned by Türkiye, the US, the UK, and the European Union. However, the YPG has been a main partner of US forces in Syria in their battle against ISIS, a policy that was maintained by former President Joe Biden’s administration.
With Trump now back in the White House, Ankara has renewed hopes that Washington might adjust its stance.
“We expect the new administration to align its policies with the realities on the ground and stop supporting terrorist elements,” said a Turkish government official, speaking anonymously.
Growing clashes following Assad’s fall
This is the second major operation Türkiye has reported in recent days, after another 13 Kurdish fighters were killed on Sunday. These clashes have escalated since the toppling of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad last month, with Turkish forces and their Syrian allies increasing attacks on Kurdish positions in northern Syria.
Since the Syrian war began in 2011, Türkiye has launched multiple military offensives in the region to counter what it sees as the growing influence of Kurdish forces along its border. The latest operation is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to prevent the formation of an autonomous Kurdish enclave near its southern border.
Türkiye’s demand: Disarmament or military action
Türkiye has stated unequivocally that it will not tolerate a continued Kurdish military presence in northern Syria. The Turkish government has demanded that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—a US-backed coalition that includes the YPG—disarm or face military intervention.
“We have repeatedly warned the SDF that its armed presence poses a direct threat to Türkiye,” said Defence Minister Yaşar Güler in a statement. “If necessary, we will take all measures to ensure our border security.”
This stance has put Türkiye at odds with the US, which under Biden had maintained 2,000 troops in Syria, fighting alongside the SDF and YPG.
Uncertain future for US-Türkiye relations
The return of Donald Trump to power has raised questions about future US-Türkiye relations, particularly concerning military cooperation in Syria. While Trump had previously pushed for a US withdrawal from Syria, his new administration’s policy on Kurdish forces remains unclear.
Analysts suggest that Türkiye is testing Washington’s position, using these latest military operations to pressure the US into reassessing its alliance with the YPG.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts following Assad’s downfall, the fragile balance in northern Syria hangs in uncertainty. Whether the US will maintain its support for Kurdish fighters or align with Türkiye’s demands remains a crucial question that could shape the next phase of the conflict.
