20.01.2026 07:40
Under the SDG-Damascus agreement, around 8,000 non-Syrian PKK members, mostly Turks, Iranians, and Iraqis, will be deported. Turkey sees this process as critical for a Terror-Free Turkey and will support Damascus in security investigations for the integration of the SDG members into the Syrian army.
One of the most critical points of the 14-article agreement signed regarding the integration of the SDF into the Syrian administration is the article stating "the removal of all PKK members who are not Syrian from the borders of Syria," which will be closely monitored by Turkey.
ONE OF ANKARA'S INDISPENSABLE CONDITIONS
This demand, which Turkey has long brought to the agenda, has been among Ankara's indispensable conditions in discussions with the Syrian administration and in public statements. According to a report by Türkiye Newspaper, it is anticipated that the implementation of this article will be carried out in coordination between Ankara and Damascus, in line with the agreement reached between the SDF and Damascus.
NON-SYRIANS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN THE DAMASCUS ARMY
Under the agreement, the participation of non-Syrian organization members in the Damascus army will absolutely not be allowed. The process of removing these individuals from Syria will be closely monitored by Turkey step by step. Security sources indicate that there are approximately 8,000 non-Syrian organization members within the SDF, with about 2,000 of them having recently crossed into Syria from Northern Iraq. It is stated that a significant portion of this group consists of Turkish-origin organization members, while elements of Iraqi and Iranian origin are also present.
TURKISH-ORIGIN MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO COME TO TURKEY
After the filtering of foreign elements, which Turkey describes as a "red line," it is stated that Turkish-origin organization members can come to Turkey if they wish, just like other organization members who lay down their arms. Additionally, it is noted that the legal regulations planned to be made during the process of a Terror-Free Turkey will also benefit organization members within this scope.
Security sources emphasize that the individual integration of SDF members, which is said to consist of 50,000-60,000 people, into the Damascus army may take time due to technical reasons. It is also reported that during the integration process, Turkey will provide intelligence support, particularly in security investigations.