Syria FM’s Diplomatic Engagement with Turkey Amidst Ongoing Clashes
Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey for discussions with President Erdogan, emphasizing Turkey’s support for the Syrian people. The visit occurred amid ongoing clashes between Assad-aligned forces and the Syrian interim government in Latakia. Turkish-backed forces faced setbacks against the Kurdish-led SDF in northeast Syria, highlighting the violence and power struggles continuing in the region.
On his inaugural trip since his appointment, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. During the closed-door meeting at Ankara’s presidential complex, al-Shaibani expressed intentions to represent a new Syria, highlighting Turkey’s longstanding support for the Syrian populace amidst ongoing conflicts.
Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Turkey has actively supported opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. It also has conducted military interventions, particularly targeting Kurdish factions beginning in 2016. Ankara maintains ties with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels while pledging to assist the Syrian interim government’s recovery following Assad’s fall.
Accompanying al-Shaibani were Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab. Al-Shaibani has engaged in diplomatic outreach throughout the region, previously visiting nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the UAE since assuming office in December.
Concurrent with these talks, clashes erupted in Latakia between pro-Assad forces and the interim authority, resulting in the deaths of two Military Security personnel. Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Knefati confirmed the release of captured personnel amidst broader crackdowns on pro-Assad factions in Homs, Damascus, and Latakia, including the seizure of explosives and ammunition.
In a separate region, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) successfully repelled an offensive by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). The ensuing conflict resulted in notable casualties; the SDF recognized the deaths of at least 18 SNA fighters amidst escalating hostilities in the strategic area surrounding the Tishrin Dam, an essential hydroelectric power source in Syria.
Recent weeks have seen heavy casualties in northern Syria, amid power struggles for control over vital infrastructure. The situation underscores the complexity of the ongoing civil conflict and the varied interests of regional and international actors involved.
The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011, has created a multifaceted conflict involving various factions, including the Assad regime, armed opposition groups, and Kurdish forces. Turkey has played a significant role in backing the opposition throughout the conflict, intensifying its military involvement since 2016. Meanwhile, the Syrian interim government seeks to establish legitimacy and foster cooperation with Turkey as it navigates post-Assad challenges and the remnants of pro-Assad forces in Syria.
The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish officials marks a significant diplomatic effort towards solidifying relations amid the backdrop of ongoing violence in Syria. The current state of affairs, including clashes between pro-Assad forces and local government, reflects the complexities and evolving dynamics of the conflict. With Turkey’s continued support for opposition forces, the path forward remains uncertain amidst competing interests from various factions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
