Türkiye Says YPG Is Illegitimate Actor as Fidan Warns of Regional Escalation

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has delivered a wide ranging assessment of regional security, firmly rejecting the legitimacy of the YPG and SDF in Syria while urging realism in counterterrorism efforts and diplomacy across the Middle East.

Speaking in an interview broadcast on Friday, Fidan said the YPG and its umbrella structure, the Syrian Democratic Forces, do not represent Syrian Kurds and should not be treated as legitimate political actors. He described the group as the Syrian branch of the PKK KCK network, which Türkiye designates as a terrorist organization.

“These are not actors that represent Syrian Kurds. This is a reality,” Fidan said. He added that SDF leader Mazloum Abdi was “a figure put on display,” arguing that real decision making power does not lie with local representatives.

Addressing the situation in northern Syria, Fidan said the current ceasefire remains fragile but could be extended to allow for the transfer of Daesh prisoners from Syria to Iraq. He said such a process would require maintaining a non conflict environment during the transition. According to Fidan, recent advances by Syrian government forces against YPG positions were not surprising, given growing opposition from local Arab communities and changing dynamics in United States support.

Fidan also warned of broader regional risks, pointing to what he described as signs that Israel may be seeking to attack Iran. He said Türkiye strongly opposes any new conflict that could further destabilize the region.

“We frankly do not want another major wound to open,” he said, stressing that escalation would have serious consequences for regional security.

Turning to transatlantic issues, Fidan commented on United States strategic interest in Greenland, warning that treating the territory solely as Danish land without broader alliance consultation could create damaging perceptions within NATO. He said such a situation could give the impression that one NATO member covets the territory of another, potentially weakening alliance cohesion.

On diplomacy, Fidan said the newly established Board of Peace has placed the Gaza conflict at the top of its agenda. He described this as a sign that dynamics on the ground are increasingly feeding into negotiations, rather than being driven solely by military developments.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Fidan said many elements of a potential peace settlement are already aligned on paper, but the issue of territory remains the central obstacle preventing progress.

Throughout the interview, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s support for regional ownership of security challenges. He questioned the rationale for a continued American military presence in Syria, arguing that Türkiye is committed to fighting Daesh and preserving Syria’s territorial unity.

His remarks reflect Ankara’s broader position that long term stability in the region can only be achieved through realistic assessments of armed actors, avoidance of new wars, and diplomacy grounded in local responsibility rather than prolonged external intervention.