23.12.2025 08:00
As the deadline for the integration of the terrorist organization SDG into the Syrian army approaches in 8 days, it has been learned that the terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan wrote a letter to the organization's head, Mazlum Abdi, regarding the elimination of non-Syrian elements within the organization. In the letter, Öcalan reportedly warned Abdi about the necessity of filtering out foreign elements, which Turkey sees as "indispensable."
As one of the critical issues for the success of the terrorism-free Turkey process, the integration of the terrorist organization SDG into the Syrian army is approaching a deadline, while the removal of foreign elements within the organization is among Turkey's fundamental red lines. According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, Ankara considers the removal of organization members of Turkish, Iraqi, and Iranian origin from the structure as a prerequisite for the integration process.
According to information shared by security sources, the SDG has a force of approximately 50,000, with 8,000 to 8,500 of that number consisting of non-Syrian elements. It is noted that a significant portion of this group consists of organization members from Northern Iraq and Turkey.
NONSYRIAN ELEMENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM SDG
It is stated that a complete agreement has been reached between Ankara and the Damascus administration regarding the exclusion of non-Syrian elements in the process of SDG's participation in the Syrian army. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also emphasized in recent statements that it is necessary to remove non-Syrian elements from the SDG and to dismantle all structures deployed against Turkey's security.
ALSO DISCUSSED IN IMRALI MEETINGS
According to the information obtained, this issue was also brought up in the meetings held in Imrali. In the contacts made by security units with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, it was assessed that the removal of foreign elements is an indispensable condition for Turkey. In this context, it is reported that Öcalan sent a letter to the SDG leader, codenamed "Mazlum Kobani," Ferhan Abdi Şahin, stating that foreign elements within the organization should be eliminated.
If the SDG takes steps in this direction, it is noted that Turkey will consider this development as an important threshold in terms of legal arrangements to be made within the framework of the terrorism-free Turkey process. It is mentioned that organization members of Turkish origin who are removed from the structure will be able to return to Turkey if they request and benefit from the planned legal arrangements.
ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT
On the other hand, within the framework of the agreement signed between the Damascus administration and the SDG on March 10, the integration process is expected to be completed by the end of the month. However, security sources express that due to the current conditions, it is possible for the process to be prolonged. While a new integration timeline is awaited, it is stated that some technical details will be clarified during this process to ensure the participation of SDG elements in the Syrian army.