Erdogan says Damascus-SDF deal in Syria relieves pressure on Turkish peace process with PKK

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) combatants secure the area after the arrival of Syria's Interior Ministry security forces, deployed under an agreement aimed at stabilizing a ceasefire, in Qamishli, eastern Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP)

• Erdogan said the ‌SDF adhering to ‍the accord ‍would strengthen the ‍atmosphere of peace in Syria and help achieve stability

ISTANBUL: President Tayyip Erdogan said an agreement between ​the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria’s northeast had helped relieve pressure on a peace ‌process between ‌the Turkish ‌state ⁠and ​Kurdish ‌PKK militants at home.
Speaking to reporters on his return flight from visits to Saudi Arabia and ⁠Egypt, Erdogan said the ‌SDF adhering to ‍the accord ‍would strengthen the ‍atmosphere of peace in Syria and help achieve stability.
Turkiye has been engaged ​in a peace process with the ⁠outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group for months and says the SDF, which it also views as a terrorist organization, must disband and disarm along with the ‌PKK.