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Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Turkey says it will intervene against any attempt to divide Syria
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends a press conference following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, May 27, 2025. Pavel Bednyakov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo ANKARA - Turkey will directly intervene to stop any attempt to fragment Syria and will prevent any attempts by militants to obtain autonomy after clashes in southern Syria, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday. His warning against fragmentation, in comments to reporters in Ankara, appeared aimed at Israel as Turkey considers this to be Israel's ultimate aim in Syria. Turkey has condemned Israeli strikes on Damascus last week as an attempt to sabotage Syria's efforts to establish peace and security, and sees clashes between Druze fighters and Syrian Bedouin tribes in the southern province of Sweida as part of an Israeli policy of regional destabilisation. NATO member Turkey supports Syria's new government and has called for a ceasefire between the Bedouin and Druze fighters. Fidan said Israel wanted a divided Syria to make the country unstable, weaker and a liability to the region, and added that Kurdish YPG militants were looking to take advantage of the chaos. "God willing, we will prevent this policy from being realised," he said. In an apparent reference to the YPG, he said groups in Syria should not see such chaos as a tactical opportunity to achieve autonomy or independence within Syria and that they faced "a big strategic catastrophe". Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue among leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Singapore Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency halt Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving "This leads nowhere," he said. Ankara sees the YPG, which spearheads the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, as a terrorist organisation, and has carried out several cross-border operations against them. "We are warning you: no group should engage in acts towards division," Fidan said. He said many issues could be discussed via diplomacy "but if you go beyond this and seek fragmentation and destabilising we will consider this a direct threat to our security and intervene." Fidan said Turkey would support efforts to secure peace and stability in Syria, and talks on this, but would not let itself be exposed to threats. Israel did not immediately comment on Fidan's remarks. It said it struck targets in Syria last week to defend the Druze. REUTERS
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bedouins Threaten War If Druze Leader Resists Truce In Sweida; Ceasefire At Risk
Syrian Bedouin fighters have issued a stark ultimatum to Druze leader Hikmat Al-Hijri, threatening to resume violent clashes in Sweida if he fails to comply with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The fighters, who recently withdrew after deadly battles, insist they won't return home until Al-Hijri surrenders. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and internal sectarian strife continue to inflame the situation. Watch Read More
