Türkiye calls for forming an Arab-Turkish alliance in Syria as Washington wants to disengage from the SDF

Turkish media revealed that Türkiye proposed to form an Arab-Turkish alliance in Syria aims to provide a reliable alternative to Washington in the region, instead of the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), with the aim of fighting ISIS and ensuring the unity of Syrian territory.

Türkiye seeks to convince the United States to abandon its support for the SDF in preparation for the withdrawal of US forces from Syria.

The Iraqi presidency clarified the details of this proposal, which was presented by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his visit to Baghdad on January 26, 2025.

The proposal focuses on cooperation in combating terrorist organizations, most notably ISIS.

According to the statement of the Iraqi presidency, Fidan called for an alliance that includes Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Türkiye to combat ISIS and dry up its sources of funding.

In an article on Turkish Hürriyet newspaper, wondering about Ankara’s motives behind this proposal, and how it could be implemented on the ground, if the countries concerned agree.

Türkiye has established security mechanisms with the four countries concerned regarding military and intelligence cooperation, with the aim of combating ISIS and eliminating its presence in the region.

These mechanisms will enhance border security between the participating countries and reduce the need for any external intervention or cooperation with terrorist organizations to fight ISIS.

Meanwhile, about 50,000 women and children are being held in the al Hawl camp and its prisons, which are run by the SDF, in addition to thousands of ISIS detainees, most of whom are Iraqis and Syrians.

Although the Iraqi and Syrian governments have demanded the return of their citizens held in these prisons, the SDF refuses to hand them over, preferring to keep them as a bargaining chip.

The new Turkish proposal, is for the 4 Arab countries involved to jointly take on this task.

Ankara also wants the new Syrian government to keep European ISIS detainees in its prisons, since European countries refuse to take them in.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will soon make a decision on the continued presence of US forces in Syria.

Commenting on Israeli media reports that Washington intends to withdraw US forces, Trump explained that Syria has its own problems and doesn’t need additional outside intervention.

Since 2014, the United States has relied on the SDF to fight ISIS, and Türkiye considers the SDF a terrorist organization.

Despite repeated Turkish objections, Washington continues to provide military and political support to the SDF.

Türkiye has also carried out military operations against the SDF in Syria, and Turkish President Erdogan has hinted that his country may take steps to prevent the partition of Syria if necessary.

The Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye will take action if the SDF doesn’t respond to Ankara’s demands.

He explained that Türkiye is ready to intervene if the SDF continues to be supported under the pretext of fighting ISIS.