Turkey's Foreign Minister Claims SDF Collaborates with Israel Amid Concerns Over Separatist Threats
January 8, 2026166 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday of collaborating with Israel, asserting that their recent actions in Aleppo heighten Turkey's fears of separatist movements that jeopardize Syria's integrity and security.
During a press conference in Ankara alongside his Omani counterpart, Fidan expressed Turkey's alarm over what he termed the SDF's attacks on civilians in Aleppo, stating that these incidents obstruct efforts for national peace and stability.
Fidan urged the SDF to renounce their separatist and militant positions, reiterating Turkey's commitment to fostering peace and stability in Syria while rejecting the presence of armed groups operating independently of state authority.
Direct Accusation of Collaboration with External Entities
Fidan remarked, "The actions of the SDF and their management of various issues demonstrate that they are receiving directives from external entities," adding, "The Syrian Democratic Forces are coordinating and cooperating with Israel."
The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that no nation tolerates armed groups functioning autonomously on its territory, highlighting Ankara's opposition to any military entity outside the Syrian state's framework.
Turkey's Support for Syrian Operations in Aleppo
In related developments, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that the Syrian government is undertaking an operation in Aleppo aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. The ministry confirmed that Syrian armed forces are fully engaged in this operation.
A ministry spokesperson stated, "Turkey supports Syria in its fight against terrorist organizations, grounded in the principle of Syria's unity and territorial integrity," adding that Ankara is prepared to provide necessary assistance should Damascus request it. He concluded, "The security of Syria is our security, and we are closely monitoring the situation on the ground."
