Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a stark warning to Kurdish militants in Syria on Wednesday, December 26, 2024, presenting them with a grim choice: surrender their weapons or face death in Syrian territory. This declaration comes amid escalating clashes between Turkish-backed Syrian factions and Kurdish fighters following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Addressing members of his ruling Justice and Development Party in Parliament, Erdogan stated, "Either the separatist killers lay down their arms, or they will be buried in Syrian soil along with their weapons."

Erdogan also announced plans to open a consulate in Aleppo and anticipated increased border traffic with Syria next summer, coinciding with school closures and the return of a significant number of refugees, according to Reuters.

While discussing Turkey's historical ties with the Kurdish people, Erdogan emphasized the importance of preserving this "eternal brotherhood." He vowed not to allow any party to disrupt this bond, asserting that Turkey would utilize all available state resources to achieve a terrorism-free nation.

"The terrorist organizations pose a threat not only to the Kurds but to regional stability as a whole," he said, reiterating Turkey's commitment to fostering peace and security in areas facing threats.

Erdogan expressed Turkey's mission to establish peace and stability in Syria, emphasizing the need to see the Turkish flag alongside the Syrian revolution flag in cities like Aleppo, Manbij, and Daraa.