Türkiye urges continued de-escalation, Israeli non-aggression in Syria

WASHINGTON

A senior Turkish official on Monday called for sustained de-escalation and an end to Israeli military attacks in Syria, stressing the need to support Damascus’ efforts to stabilize the war-torn country.

“From now on, it is important to ensure continued de-escalation and Israeli non-aggression, support for the Syrian government's efforts to restore calm in Suwayda (in southern Syria), and to prevent civilian casualties,” Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz told the UN Security Council during a meeting on Syria.

Yilmaz said the recent violence in Suwayda between Bedouin Arabs and tribal forces and some Druze groups was worsened by Israeli attacks targeting Syrian military positions and infrastructure, including in the capital Damascus.

“Israel's disregard for law, order, and state sovereignty reached new heights with its recent attacks on the presidential complex and the Defense Ministry. The situation has partially improved as a result of our collective efforts with the US and some other countries,” he added.

- Warning to SDF

He warned that “some elements within Syria might be inclined to draw wrong lessons” from the recent clashes in Suwayda, adding that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are “certainly one of them.”

“No one should be encouraged to abuse certain hiccups to drag the country towards disunity and disintegration,” he said.

On March 10, the Syrian presidency announced the signing of an agreement for the integration of the SDF into state institutions.

The meeting at the UN Security Council came weeks after violent clashes broke out on July 13 between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Israel used the violence as an excuse to attack various sites in Syria. A ceasefire was announced on July 19.

Yilmaz said the situation in Suwayda had “partially improved” as a result of “collective” diplomatic efforts involving the US and other countries. He called for solidarity with Damascus to help hold accountable those responsible for triggering violence and to sustain humanitarian assistance during what he called a “very difficult and delicate process.”

He also welcomed what he called “remarkable progress” in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December. He said the Syrian leadership has shown a commitment to “an inclusive political transition and national reconciliation under the new Syrian ownership” and has taken steps to bring together all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship.

Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, Syria’s new administration has launched economic and political reforms and intensified efforts to build partnerships with regional and international players.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.