Turkey has announced that it will directly intervene if any group attempts to divide Syria or claim autonomy. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued this warning during a press briefing in Ankara. His statement comes in response to recent clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes in southern Syria, which Turkey believes are being fueled by Israel’s destabilizing strategy in the region.
Fidan strongly criticized Israel for its recent attacks on Damascus, calling them a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace efforts in Syria. He argued that the violence in Suwayda province is not random but rather part of Israel’s wider plan to weaken and split Syria. According to him, the resulting chaos is creating dangerous opportunities for separatist groups, particularly the Kurdish YPG militia.
As a NATO member, Turkey supports Syria’s territorial unity and has urged both Druze and Bedouin groups to agree to an immediate ceasefire. Fidan emphasized that no armed group in Syria should consider the current instability a chance to push for independence or autonomy. Doing so, he warned, would lead to “a major strategic disaster” with no path forward.
He also issued a clear warning to Kurdish forces, particularly the U.S.-backed YPG, which Turkey considers a terrorist group. Fidan stated that their attempts to use the conflict for self-rule will not be tolerated. Turkey has already launched several cross-border operations against the YPG and views any further actions as direct threats to its national security.
Moreover, Fidan stressed that while Turkey prefers resolving conflicts through diplomacy, any move toward Syria’s division will trigger a firm response. He stated, “We are alerting all groups—don’t dream of division.” Turkey sees the preservation of Syria’s borders as critical not just for regional stability but also for its own safety.
In conclusion, Fidan reaffirmed that Turkey will not allow any foreign power, especially Israel, to manipulate internal conflicts in Syria for its gain. He vowed to take action if necessary and insisted that such interference only worsens regional insecurity.