Aydin, Türkiye, January 24, 2026 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed on Saturday that the campaign against the terrorist group ISIS (also known as Daesh) is gaining unprecedented momentum and determination, with efforts now focused on uprooting the very foundations of terrorism across the region. Speaking at a high-profile ceremony in Aydin province where he handed over keys to newly constructed houses for citizens affected by previous earthquakes or housing initiatives, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's unwavering commitment to eliminating security threats emanating from northern Syria.
"The fight against the terrorist group ISIS (Daesh) is growing stronger and more determined, with the roots of all terrorism in the region being eradicated," Erdogan declared to an audience of local residents, officials, and AK Party supporters. He linked this broader anti-terror effort directly to the situation in northern Syria, stating: "Once the separatist terrorist threat in northern Syria is completely eliminated, not only the Syrian people but the entire region will find relief."
Erdogan's remarks come amid evolving dynamics in post-conflict Syria, where recent developments—including a ceasefire agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—have shifted the landscape. Türkiye has long viewed the SDF and its dominant component, the People's Protection Units (YPG), as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization. The president reiterated his vision for a post-terror Syria, stressing unity and inclusivity across ethnic and religious lines.
"A unified, secure, and stable Syria will benefit all of its communities," he said. "The winners of a united, whole, and secure Syria will be Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds, Alawites, Druze, Christians, and all other Syrian citizens." This inclusive framing aligns with Ankara's long-standing policy of supporting Syria's territorial integrity while opposing what it sees as separatist or terrorist entities carving out autonomous zones in the north.
The speech in Aydin, a province in western Türkiye known for its agricultural output and recent infrastructure projects, served as a platform to highlight domestic achievements alongside foreign policy priorities. The key-delivery event symbolized the government's ongoing efforts to provide housing and reconstruction support, part of broader social welfare programs under the AK Party administration. By tying local development to regional security, Erdogan underscored how stability abroad contributes to prosperity at home.
On the international front, Erdogan turned his attention to the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which concluded earlier this week. He claimed that discussions there validated Türkiye's longstanding critiques of the prevailing global order. "Debates at this week’s World Economic Forum meeting in Davos indicate that Türkiye’s long-standing criticisms of the global system are increasingly resonating in the Western world," he noted.
Erdogan elaborated that Western leaders and participants, who once defended the status quo, are now openly acknowledging its flaws. "Those who used to praise the global system are now talking about its distortions, injustices, and problems," he said, pointing to growing conversations around inequality, institutional biases, and the need for reform in bodies like the United Nations. He positioned Türkiye as an emerging influential voice in a "reshaped world order," advocating for a more equitable multipolar system that better represents developing nations and addresses historical grievances.
This commentary echoes Erdogan's consistent narrative over the years, where he has criticized Western dominance, called for UN Security Council restructuring, and highlighted perceived double standards in global affairs—particularly on issues like Palestine, where he has accused Western powers of complicity in ongoing conflicts. Recent Davos sessions reportedly featured sharp exchanges on economic disparities, geopolitical tensions, and the failures of multilateral institutions, lending credence to Erdogan's assertion that Türkiye's positions are gaining traction.
The president's Aydin address also reflected Türkiye's active diplomacy in the Middle East. Recent phone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump discussed Syria developments, the fight against ISIS, and the handling of detained ISIS members in Syrian prisons. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has raised concerns over the transfer of ISIS detainees from northeast Syria to Iraq, warning of potential security risks amid the ceasefire and shifting control dynamics.
Türkiye's military operations in northern Syria—such as previous Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring campaigns—have aimed to create buffer zones against PKK/YPG threats and prevent ISIS resurgence. With the SDF facing pressure to integrate into the central Syrian state under the new Damascus leadership, Ankara sees an opportunity to advance its "terror-free" vision for the border region. Erdogan has repeatedly warned that any provocations from Kurdish militants would be met decisively, describing continued resistance as a "suicide attempt."
Domestically, the event reinforced Erdogan's image as a leader delivering tangible benefits while confronting external threats. The housing project in Aydin is part of nationwide initiatives to rebuild after natural disasters and support vulnerable populations, aligning with the government's "Century of Türkiye" vision for economic and social advancement.
As Syria navigates its fragile transition—with international actors like the U.S., Russia, and regional powers monitoring closely—Erdogan's statements signal Türkiye's intent to play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. By framing the elimination of terrorism as a prerequisite for regional peace and prosperity, the president seeks to rally domestic support and international understanding for Ankara's security priorities.
The speech in Aydin, delivered amid a backdrop of construction milestones and community celebration, encapsulates Erdogan's dual focus: fortifying Türkiye's borders against terrorism while asserting its voice in global debates on justice and reform. As the region watches Syria's evolution, Erdogan's determination to eradicate terrorism's roots remains a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy.
