Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Turkey’s President Erdogan during his first official visit. The discussions coincided with clashes in Latakia between pro-Assad forces and interim authorities. In northeast Syria, fierce battles erupted between the SDF and the SNA, leading to significant casualties. Al-Shaibani’s visit marks a pivotal move in building international alliances to address ongoing challenges in the country.
On Wednesday, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani made his inaugural official visit to Turkey, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions, conducted privately at Ankara’s presidential complex, included al-Shaibani’s high-level delegation comprising Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab. Al-Shaibani expressed on X, “We will represent the new Syria tomorrow in the first official visit to the Turkish republic, which has not abandoned the Syrian people for 14 years.” Turkey has long supported the armed opposition factions during the Syrian Civil War and has intervened militarily against Kurdish forces since 2016.
Concurrently, violence erupted in Latakia as clashes ensued between pro-Assad groups and the Syrian interim authorities, following the killings and kidnappings of Syrian Military Security personnel. Intelligence reports claim that two personnel were killed and several others captured before they were freed in an operation that also resulted in the elimination of a former Assad officer threatening the captives. Syrian authorities, in an ongoing crackdown against Assad’s remaining affiliates, are reported to have seized weapons warehouses in multiple provinces.
Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly repelled an offensive by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) near the strategic Tishrin Dam. The SDF claimed that 18 fighters from the SNA were killed during these clashes where warplanes and drones were deployed. The SDF’s response led to considerable losses for the SNA, amid escalating hostilities that have resulted in at least 280 casualties in the northeast in recent weeks.
Al-Shaibani’s visit holds significance as Turkey seeks a collaborative relationship with Syria’s transitional leadership, indicating an important shift in regional dynamics amidst ongoing conflicts. As the Syrian situation continues to evolve, the interplay between various factions and external powers remains critical.
Syria has been engulfed in a civil war since 2011, following protests against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The conflict has seen various groups, including Turkish-backed factions and Kurdish forces, vying for control. Turkey has actively supported opposition factions and engaged in military interventions while seeking to foster relations with a post-Assad government. Al-Shaibani’s recent appointment represents a shift in governance, aligning the interim leadership with international partners as they navigate the complexities of the civil war and the changing political landscape.
In summary, Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Turkey symbolizes a significant step for Syria’s interim government aiming to consolidate relationships with crucial allies. Amidst ongoing clashes and political turmoil in Syria, the international community remains focused on the unfolding dynamics that have implications for regional stability and the Syrian population. The interplay between armed groups continues to complicate the situation, impacting the potential for recovery and peace.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
