Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler reiterated Sunday Türkiye's stance on Syria, emphasizing the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization as a top priority, according to Anadolu Agency.

"Our primary issue in Syria is the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. We have expressed this to our American friends. We expect them to reassess their position," said Guler, revealing Türkiye’s ongoing discussions with the US.

Guler reported Türkiye’s significant progress in the fight against terrorism in a speech at the Annual Evaluation Meeting held in Ankara, outlining key counterterrorism achievements.

"With the operations we have carried out, we have neutralized 2,939 terrorists, including those in northern Iraq and Syria, since the beginning of this year," he said. "Additionally, 99 terrorists have surrendered."

He also emphasized that Türkiye's ongoing operations are significantly disrupting terrorist organizations through continuous and comprehensive efforts, replacing the "limited-targeted and time-bound" operations of the past.

Through unconventional, unpredictable, and rapid execution, Türkiye has been able to neutralize terrorists and dismantle critical infrastructure used by terrorist groups, according to the minister.

"In Operation Claw-Lock, 1,136 terrorists were neutralized in key regions between Syria and Qandil, a significant area for the terrorist organization," Guler explained.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

Türkiye in 2022 launched Operation Claw-Lock to target the terror group's hideouts in northern Iraq's Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions.

Guler also reiterated that Türkiye’s main goal is to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and unity, to complete the political process peacefully, and to rid our border of terrorist elements.

Guler highlighted Türkiye’s readiness for further cooperation: "We have cooperation agreements with many countries. We are ready to provide support if requested by the new administration" in Syria.

Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus. The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities across the country in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

Taking advantage of Assad’s fall, Israel has intensified its airstrikes against military sites across Syria, in blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty.

Guler also touched on Türkiye's military activities, noting that 140 exercises have been conducted in 2024, including NATO, national, and special operations.

He emphasized Ankara's ongoing contributions to NATO’s force structure and its regional defense strategies.