Ankara: Turkey has expressed readiness to assist Syria’s new administration in managing Islamic State camps within the country, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Wednesday.
“As we have always said, we are also ready to provide the necessary assistance to the new administration in the management of DAESH camps and prisons,” Fidan stated, referring to the Islamic State by its Arabic acronym.
Fidan made these remarks during a press conference in Ankara following a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. He commended Syria’s new administration for its determination to combat terrorism.
Syrian Stance on Northern Regions
Shibani emphasized the need to eliminate U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from northern Syria, describing their presence as unjustified:
“We will not accept having any parts of Syria or northern Syria outside of the administration’s control,” Shibani said.
He also assured that Syria would ensure its territory is no longer a source of threats to Turkey.
Turkey’s Military Presence in Syria
Since 2016, Turkey has launched four military operations in northern Syria, citing national security concerns. Turkish forces are believed to maintain a presence in several towns, including Afrin, Azez, and Jarablus in the northwest, as well as Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad in the northeast.
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Ankara has indicated a willingness to discuss its military presence with Syria’s new administration under appropriate conditions.
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“We may discuss and reevaluate the issue of Turkey’s military presence in Syria with the new Syrian administration when necessary conditions arise,” Fidan noted.
