Türkiye Committed to Regional Peace and Stability: Erdogan
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye is steadfast in its mission to promote peace, stability, and tranquility across the region, particularly in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated during a Justice and Development Party (AK Party) meeting on Wednesday.
“We are happy whenever we see the free Syrian flag next to our own Crescent and Star flag in Aleppo, Damascus, Hama, Homs, Daraa, and Manbij,” Erdogan said, emphasizing Türkiye’s dedication to fostering unity in the region.
Addressing the ongoing fight against terrorism, Erdogan vowed to dismantle the PKK, a terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence in Türkiye. “We will eliminate the terrorist organization as it tries to build a wall of blood between us and our Kurdish sisters and brothers,” he affirmed.
The PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG, have exploited instability in the region, particularly in the aftermath of the Assad regime’s collapse, to attempt establishing a so-called “terror corridor” along Türkiye’s border. These groups frequently use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border attacks against Türkiye.
In response, Türkiye has launched multiple counterterrorism operations, including Operation Claw-Lock in 2022, targeting PKK hideouts in northern Iraq’s Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions. Additionally, three major operations in northern Syria—Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019)—aimed to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable displaced residents to return home peacefully.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has waged a 40-year campaign of violence, claiming over 40,000 lives, including women, children, and infants. Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s resolve to end this threat and maintain security within its borders.
Türkiye’s efforts reflect its broader goal of fostering peace and cooperation throughout the region, reaffirming its role as a stabilizing force in the face of ongoing challenges.
