Turkey’s Defense Minister Guler: Plans ready for SDF integration

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKIYE — DEC. 21, 2025

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler has announced that Turkey has finalized all operational plans regarding the potential integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian central army. Speaking at a year-end evaluation meeting with media representatives in Ankara, Guler emphasized that Turkey is titiculously monitoring the ongoing negotiations between the SDF and the Damascus administration.

"We see and understand the attitude of the Syrian administrators regarding the integration of the SDF during our talks," Guler stated. He added that Turkey possesses the strength and resolve to act against any development that threatens its national security, reiterating that Ankara will not allow any "fait accompli" or the establishment of a "terrorist formation" along its borders.

Integration Conditions and Red Lines

Minister Guler criticized the current state of the March 10 memorandum signed between SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Interim President Ahmed Shara, noting that the agreement has not yet translated into concrete steps on the ground. He stressed that the integration process must be carried out through a net, binding, and applicable roadmap rather than ambiguous or open-ended statements.

According to Guler, Turkey’s primary expectations include the total separation of the SDF from terrorist elements, the abandonment of separatist and decentralized rhetoric, and the full attachment of the force to the central authority in Damascus. "Parallel security structures on the ground must be absolutely eliminated," the Minister warned, highlighting that stability in Syria is vital for Turkey’s national security.

Counter-Terrorism Milestones in 2025

Reflecting on the past year, Guler described 2025 as a "historic year" for counter-terrorism efforts. He reported a significant increase in the number of PKK members surrendering following the group's alleged dissolution decisions. The Minister emphasized that the "Terror-Free Turkey" process is a multidimensional effort aimed at ensuring regional peace and stability.

"Our ultimate goal is the complete liquidation of terrorist organizations and the elimination of all threats against our country," Guler concluded. He reminded international actors that Turkey is well aware of attempts to use terrorism as a "geopolitical design tool" and assured that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) remain ready to protect the nation's rights and interests at the highest level.

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