Türkiye Urges U.S. to Reconsider Support for PKK in Syria

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on the United States to end its support for the PKK, emphasizing that the militant group poses a direct national security threat to Türkiye.

“The U.S. needs to reconsider its relationship parameters and step away from the obligation to support the PKK, which poses a threat to Türkiye,” Fidan stated in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Wednesday.

Concerns Over U.S. Policy in Syria

Fidan criticized Washington’s approach in Syria, particularly its reliance on the PKK/YPG in combating ISIS (ISIL). He argued that while the U.S. views the detainment of ISIS members as a tactical necessity, its alliance with the PKK remains a serious concern for Türkiye.

“This is a critical national security issue for us. Supporting the PKK while doing so is a toxic issue between Türkiye and the U.S. This has to end,” he asserted.

Call for Greater U.S.-Türkiye Cooperation

Despite political tensions, Fidan emphasized the strong trade relations between the U.S. and Türkiye, highlighting ongoing technological collaboration and the need to deepen cooperation in the energy sector.

Situation in Syria and Türkiye’s Perspective

Fidan expressed skepticism about a potential agreement between Syria’s new administration and the PKK/YPG, which he said seeks to establish its own governance and power base. He outlined Türkiye’s recommendations for resolving the issue peacefully:

1. Ensuring equal access to constitutional citizenship for all Syrian people to promote societal peace.
2. Preventing non-state actors from carrying weapons, stressing that the PKK’s occupation of one-third of Syrian territory, including Arab-majority areas, is unsustainable.

PKK’s Regional Impact and Türkiye’s Stance

The foreign minister also highlighted concerns over the PKK's influence beyond Syria, claiming that terrorists from Iraq, Türkiye, and Iran are being sheltered within Syrian territory, threatening regional stability.

He underscored Türkiye’s strong ties with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq, describing Ankara’s relationship with KRG President Nechirvan Barzani as "extremely advanced."

Türkiye continues to push for a regional solution that respects Syria’s territorial integrity while eliminating PKK-linked threats in the region.