Ankara Stresses Compliance with Deals As Clashes Escalate in Syria
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Turkey said it adheres to existing accords concerning Syria's Idlib region on Friday, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities as anti-government forces advanced into parts of Aleppo.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said Turkey is upholding all its commitments under current agreements. He expressed concern over recent attacks in Idlib, stating they jeopardize the Astana agreements' implementation.
"We have emphasized that these attacks must come to an end. The recent clashes have led to an undesirable escalation of tensions," Keçeli remarked, underscoring Turkey's dedication to regional stability and civilian safety.
Keçeli also noted increased assaults by terrorist groups in Tal Rifaat and Manbij, accusing them of exploiting the current instability. He reiterated Turkey's commitment to Syria's unity and territorial integrity, expressing concern over unfulfilled agreements mandating the removal of terrorists from specific areas.
The United Nations reported that at least 27 civilians, including children, have been killed this week in militant attacks in northwest Syria. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has targeted villages, towns, and military sites in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
David Carden, UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, condemned the attacks, urging adherence to international humanitarian law. "Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targets and must be protected," Carden told Reuters.
Syrian state media reported that four civilians were killed on Friday due to shelling at a university campus in Aleppo. Syrian forces launched a counteroffensive on Thursday, reportedly repelling some militant advances.
This escalation marks the most significant confrontation between Syrian forces and militants since a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Turkey, Iran and Russia. Last month, Russian and Syrian warplanes conducted joint raids on HTS positions in Idlib and Latakia provinces.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the latest escalation as "an attack on Syria's sovereignty" and expressed hope for a swift resolution. Damascus has accused Western nations of supporting terrorist groups and said insurgents in northeastern Syria have ties to US forces.
Syrian officials also alleged that Ukrainian agents have provided training and weapons to anti-government militants, further complicating the conflict.