Fidan Warns SDG Over Delays in March 10 Agreement, Signals Possible Joint Turkish–Syrian Action

ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a stern warning to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG) over their failure to implement the terms of a March 10 integration agreement with Damascus, saying the delays are testing Turkey’s patience and could impact the country’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” process.

Speaking alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani at a joint press conference in Ankara, Fidan accused the SDG of “playing for time” and warned that neither Turkey nor Syria would tolerate continued stalling.

“There is a new era and new spirit in the region and in Türkiye. We must seize this. No one here is a fool — and we are not fools. We see the tricks being played despite our good-faith investment in this process,” Fidan said. “Being a great state in service of a great cause comes with rules, and we are following them. But we urge the SDG to change course and think about how to build Syria together.”

Missed Commitments Since March 10 Deal

Under the March 10 accord, signed between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDG commander Mazloum Abdi, the Kurdish-led group was to integrate into the Syrian army by year’s end. Key infrastructure — including the Tishrin Dam, border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields — was to be handed over to Damascus.

However, Fidan noted that no tangible progress had been made and accused the SDG of using ongoing talks in Ankara and Damascus as leverage in case of future conflict.

“We do not see any reassuring developments from the SDG since March 10,” Fidan said. “On the contrary, they are waiting to maximize their gains in case of a crisis. They should not think we don’t notice this — we do.”

Fidan also stressed that Turkey’s priority remains a political settlement that ensures security, protects rights and cultural identity, and removes the threat of armed groups.

Reports of Syrian Military Preparations

Prominent pro-government columnist Abdulkadir Selvi claimed that the Syrian government has begun preparing a military operation against SDG-controlled areas, citing their failure to honor commitments. According to Selvi, an SDG delegation led by Ilham Ahmed recently visited Damascus in a bid to avert such an operation, but Syrian authorities remain firm.

Selvi outlined Ankara’s stance in three points:

1. Preserve PKK’s disarmament process and avoid undermining its dissolution decision.

2. Leverage U.S. support for SDG disarmament and integration into the Syrian army.

3. Complete the process without military action if Syrian determination makes it possible.

Possible Joint Turkish–Syrian Operation

Selvi also suggested that Turkey could coordinate with Damascus for a comprehensive military operation against the SDG if progress stalls.

The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of a controversial political opening in Turkey, initiated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, involving calls for imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to announce the group’s dissolution. While the PKK has signaled its intent to disband, the unresolved tensions between the SDG and Damascus raise questions over how the process will unfold.

“Turkey is not seeking occupation or domination in the region,” Fidan said, “but if our security concerns are not addressed, we cannot remain idle. The SDG leadership must engage positively with Damascus, work to rebuild Syria together, and end their threat by removing the foreign fighters they have gathered.”

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