Ankara and Damascus diplomats warn Israel over Syria actions

Turkey and Syria Call on Israel to End Chaos

Key Messages from Ankara and Damascus

After a series of talks in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani issued a joint warning to Israel. The two officials urged the nation to cease military actions that destabilise the war‑torn country.

Israel’s Escalations Highlighted as a National Priority

• Fidan described Israel as “the biggest actor” in the current Syrian conflict, citing ongoing incursions since the overthrow of Bashar al‑Assad.
• He stated that the “emergence of chaos” appears to be a priority for Israeli national security.

Shaibani’s Warning on Airstrikes and Threats

• Shaibani warned against repeated airstrikes launched by Israel, labeling them as one of the new challenges that pose a danger comparable to years of war.
• He called for a halt to any “reckless attempts” that exploit events in Syria.

Evidence of Destabilisation in Key Regions

• Fidan noted the March bloodshed in the coastal city of Latakia, located in the Alawite heartland.
• He also referenced deadly violence in the southwestern Sweida province, with a Druze majority, and in the Kurdish‑dominated northeast.
• These events were cited as evidence of obstacles to the positive process underway.

Foreign Interventions Exacerbating Unrest

• Shaibani highlighted multiple foreign interventions that push Syria toward sectarian and regional strife.
• He warned against “any reckless attempts to exploit events here” without detailing the specific actors.

Relation of the YPG to Turkey’s Security Concerns

• Fidan pointed out that the YPG, part of the US‑backed Kurdish‑led SDF, is seen by Ankara as an extension of the PKK militant group.
• He noted that the YPG’s refusal to integrate into Syria, despite a March agreement, remains a concern.
• The PKK, which has fought a decades‑long insurgency against Turkey, is currently in the throes of disbanding under a peace agreement with the Turkish government.

PKK’s Current Status and Threat Assessment

• Fidan said no developments indicate that the PKK has eliminated the threat of armed action or sent home foreign fighters in its ranks.
• He warned that in an environment where Turkey’s security demands remain unmet, there is no chance of remaining calm.