Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has voiced strong objections to Israel’s continued military actions in Syria, labeling them as clear provocations that are both unacceptable and outright rejected. Fidan emphasized the urgent need for Israel to cease its strategy of weakening neighboring countries, which he described as unsustainable.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan articulated these concerns during an interview with the Financial Times, highlighting the perceived threat Israel poses to every Arab and Muslim country. He stressed the importance of halting Israel’s actions, which he views as dangerous to regional stability.

Furthermore, Fidan expressed Turkey’s significant concerns regarding the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are backed by the United States. He reiterated his longstanding warning that the SDF, with an estimated 65,000 fighters, must dismantle its forces and expel non-Syrian fighters to avoid potential Turkish military intervention. Fidan pointed out the presence of approximately 2,000 PKK fighters and an additional 5,000 from its Syrian affiliate within the SDF ranks, describing them as sworn enemies of Turkey.

Fidan also proposed an alternative to the current reliance on Kurdish forces for combating ISIS. He advocated for forming a regional coalition to tackle ISIS, potentially replacing the US military mission. He suggested that Turkish forces could manage the camps and prisons in northeastern Syria, currently overseen by the SDF, which house tens of thousands of ISIS fighters and their family members.

Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, Fidan remarked on US President Donald Trump’s actions, viewing them as a catalyst for regional countries to unite and create their own strategic alliances. He expressed Turkey’s intent to participate in any new European security framework should NATO face dissolution, acknowledging the potential for future US leadership to diminish America’s role in European security.

Fidan concluded by underscoring Turkey’s readiness to adapt to shifting geopolitical landscapes, highlighting the irreversible changes in international relations and the necessity for Turkey to secure its place within emerging security structures.