The Turkish Ministry of Defense commented on the recent escalation between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describing the SDF as a threat to “regional peace and stability.”
Following a press conference by ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk, Turkey’s Anadolu Agency quoted ministry sources as saying Ankara is closely monitoring communications between the Syrian government and what it calls the “terrorist SDF.”
According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, the recent attacks targeting Syrian government forces in Manbij and rural Aleppo demonstrated once again that the SDF is not adhering to the March 10 agreement signed with the Syrian government.
The sources added that Turkey is determined to maintain close cooperation with the Syrian government, especially in combating what it described as “terrorist organizations.”
Turkey supports the principle of “one state, one army” for the stability and security of Syria and peace in the region, according to the ministry.
Clashes between the SDF and the Syrian army have intensified in recent days.
The Turkish newspaper Milliyet reported that during a dialogue session with journalists and researchers from around the world on September 20, Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa said the current situation in northeastern Syria poses a “threat” to the national security of both Turkey and Iraq.
Al-Sharaa added that Damascus convinced Ankara not to launch a military operation against the SDF following Assad’s ouster, giving negotiations a chance. He hinted, however, that “if integration is not achieved by December, Turkey may take military action.”
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said on Friday, September 19, that the SDF and all its affiliates must immediately lay down arms and cease their “terrorist activities” in Syria and elsewhere.
Reciprocal Attacks
In the latest bout of exchanges between the government and the SDF, a Defense Ministry member was killed by an SDF sniper in Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, along the front lines on Wednesday, September 24.
The Syrian state-run al-Ikhbariya TV reported that a soldier from the Syrian army’s 80th Division was shot dead by an SDF sniper in the Deir Hafer sector.
According to information obtained by Enab Baladi, SDF forces shelled government-controlled areas in Deir Hafer on Tuesday, though no casualties were reported.
On September 20, government forces and the SDF traded shelling in eastern Aleppo, resulting in civilian casualties amid mutual accusations over who initiated the clashes.
The SDF accused government forces of killing eight civilians, including three children, in a bombardment on the village of Umm Tina in the Deir Hafer countryside.
The Ministry of Defense denied responsibility, claiming the SDF itself was behind the shelling of Umm Tina.
In a statement carried by the state news agency SANA on September 21, the ministry said that while the SDF was bombarding villages outside its control, Syrian defense forces observed rockets being fired from an SDF launcher toward Umm Tina, which is under government control, for reasons that remain unclear.
For its part, the SDF dismissed the Defense Ministry’s claims as “a transparent attempt to evade responsibility for the crime that cannot withstand any military or political logic, nor does it change the documented facts on the ground.”
The March 10 Agreement
Despite the escalation, Damascus and the SDF signed what was described as a “historic” agreement on March 10, 2025.
The deal, signed by transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, stipulated the integration of the SDF’s military and civilian institutions into those of the Syrian state, and a ceasefire between the two sides.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said at the time that the agreement and subsequent meetings between Abdi and al-Sharaa marked an important milestone in laying the groundwork for constructive dialogue.
It noted that while the meetings were characterized by a “genuine will” to reach a consensus, these positive atmospheres have not yet translated into concrete steps on the ground, raising questions about the Syrian government’s “seriousness” in seizing the historic opportunity for a solution.
The SDF said all specialized committees emerging from northeastern Syria, including those on constitutional, administrative, security, and service files, remain fully prepared to begin work as soon as Damascus sets a date.
Ankara Backs Damascus Amid Escalation with SDF Enab Baladi.
Hence then, the article about ankara backs damascus amid escalation with sdf was published today ( ) and is available on ُEnabbaladi ( Syria ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ankara Backs Damascus Amid Escalation with SDF )
Also on site :
- Gold Star Distribution Inc., Issues Recall of Certain FDA-Regulated Products in Three States Including Drugs, Devices, Cosmetics, Human Foods, and Pet Foods
- ’Beverly Hills, 90210’s Jason Priestley Shares Bold Callout After ‘Worst’ Travel Experience
- Central African Republic election: Who’s running and what’s at stake?