Syria in Türkiye’s Struggle Against the PKK/PYD: An Evaluation in Light of Historical Perspective and Current Developments

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the Syrian dimension of Türkiye’s struggle against the PKK/PYD terrorist organization in light of historical developments and current dynamics. The PKK, which emerged in the late 1970s, has undergone significant transformation and evolution since its establishment. From the 1980s onward, the PKK and its affiliates began operating in Syria, and their relationship with the Syrian regime has experienced various phases up to the present day. The organization’s presence in Syria and the logistical support provided by the Assad regime caused long-standing tensions in Turkish-Syrian relations. The PKK/PYD's ability to establish strategically driven, albeit occasionally conflictual, relations with the Assad regime has led Turkey to shape its Syria policy primarily around the fight against these groups. With the outbreak of civil war in Syria, the PYD strengthened its ties with the Assad regime and established de facto control over much of northern Syria, thereby creating serious security threats for Türkiye. In this context, Türkiye launched a series of cross-border military operations to prevent the formation of a terrorist corridor along its southern border. The Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, Peace Spring, and Spring Shield operations stand as concrete indicators of Türkiye’s willingness and capacity to take military initiative on the ground. The year 2024 marked a turning point in Syria, as the civil war that began in 2011 resulted in the fall of the Assad regime. Following the regime change, developments in Syria—particularly the agreement signed between the new Damascus administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—have had direct implications for Türkiye’s national security. Syria continues to be one of the focal points of Turkey’s counterterrorism strategy and remains a key priority in Turkish foreign policy, as it was in the past. In this study, which employs historical and descriptive methodology, it has been concluded that the fall of the regime has created a significant geopolitical advantage for Türkiye; however, expecting the complete eradication of terrorism as a result of the agreement signed between the Damascus regime and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is not realistic. Therefore, it is essential for Türkiye to act with caution.