Thu Dec 19 17:31:15 UTC 2024: ## Turkey Vows Continued Military Preparations in Northern Syria Following Assad’s Ousting

**Aleppo, Syria –** Following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has reiterated its commitment to military action in northern Syria until Kurdish fighters disarm, according to a defense ministry source. Concerns are rising about a potential Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held town of Kobane.

Turkey supports a proxy force in Syria that has engaged in ongoing clashes with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Ankara views as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the U.S. The Turkish ministry source stated that military preparations will continue until the PKK/YPG disarms and foreign fighters leave Syria.

While Washington announced an extension to a ceasefire in Manbij brokered by the U.S., the Turkish defense ministry source denied any talks with the SDF, asserting that negotiations with a terrorist organization are unacceptable. Despite the U.S. efforts to extend the ceasefire, Turkey maintains that it will continue to monitor and respond to any threats posed by Kurdish groups. The source emphasized that Turkey believes the newly installed Syrian government, alongside Ankara-backed rebels, will liberate regions currently controlled by the PKK/YPG. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further conflict in northern Syria.

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