Turkey has firmly rejected US assertions that it agreed to a ceasefire with Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, maintaining that its military operations in the region will continue. This denial follows a statement from US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who claimed a ceasefire had been brokered by Washington between Turkish-backed rebels and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) around Manbij, and extended until the end of the week.
A senior Turkish defense official dismissed the US claim as a “slip of the tongue” and reiterated that Turkey would not engage with the SDF, which it considers a terrorist organization due to its ties with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party). Turkey has been clear that its military actions will persist until the PKK and its affiliates, including the YPG (People’s Protection Units), disarm and leave Syria.
Turkey’s ongoing operations come amid escalating tensions over Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria, including the border town of Kobane. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also criticized remarks from US President-elect Donald Trump, who had referred to Turkey’s involvement in Syria as an “unfriendly takeover,” calling it a “grave mistake” and emphasizing that Turkey’s actions are aimed at securing national security.
Turkey maintains that it is the responsibility of the new Syrian administration to expel foreign fighters, particularly PKK members embedded within the YPG, and has warned of further military action if these fighters are not removed.
