Deadline expired, preparations for operation begin: 80 thousand troops to be deployed

It is stated that if the YPG/SDF structure, which is expected to integrate into the Damascus administration in Syria, does not complete this process by the end of the year, the Syrian army is planning a large-scale operation. Security sources reported that military steps will be taken now that the given deadline has expired.

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his statement on the matter, said, "We are providing the necessary suggestions for the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, which carries the risk of turning into a crisis if there is resistance in Syria."

THE FINAL 15-DAY PERIOD IS NARROWING

The March 10 Agreement, consisting of eight articles and signed between the Damascus-based interim administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on March 10, 2025, was expected to be implemented by the end of the year. The agreement aimed to integrate armed structures into the central administration.

President Erdoğan had previously stated in his assessment, "The implementation of the March 10 agreement by those who signed it, in accordance with the principle of pacta sunt servanda, will resolve a significant knot."

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler also drew attention to the process, noting that the YPG/SDF structure is being attempted to be used by some regional actors for geopolitical purposes. Güler said, "For our goal of a terror-free Turkey to be permanently established, it is imperative that the armed elements in Syria be integrated into the central administration quickly."

Minister Güler emphasized that the organization should take into account the calls for laying down arms and integration coming from within its own ranks.

80 THOUSAND TROOP DEPLOYMENT PLAN

According to information obtained by Sözcü from security sources, the Syrian army has completed its preparations for a large-scale military operation following the expiration of the deadline granted to the PKK-SDF structure. In this context, it was stated that 7 divisions and approximately 80 thousand troops will be deployed to the relevant line alone.

It was noted that the number of troops could be increased depending on the course of the operation, and that in addition to the heavy weapons in the Syrian army's inventory, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and fighter jets will also support the operation.