Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced on Sunday that all weapons in the country, including those held by Kurdish-led forces, will come under state control. This significant move comes just two weeks after he took power in a sweeping offensive.
During a press conference in Damascus with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Sharaa declared that armed factions would begin to dissolve and integrate into the national army. “We will absolutely not allow there to be weapons in the country outside state control, whether from the revolutionary factions or the factions present in the SDF area,” he emphasized, referring to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Sharaa also stressed the importance of unity among Syria’s diverse communities. “We are working on protecting sects and minorities from any attacks that occur between them and from external actors exploiting the situation to cause sectarian discord,” he said. “Syria is a country for all, and we can coexist together.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan called for international sanctions on Syria to be lifted as soon as possible. He urged the global community to “mobilize to help Syria get back on its feet and for the displaced people to return.”
Syria has endured nearly 14 years of civil war, resulting in the death of over half a million people and the displacement of more than half its population. Millions have fled to neighboring countries, including three million in Turkey.
As Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on December 8, several countries have stepped up engagement with Damascus. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are among those reassessing their relations with Syria’s new leadership.
On Sunday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation to discuss developments in Syria. They emphasized the need for international collaboration to support Syria while respecting its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The ministers called for coordinated efforts to assist Syria through its transitional phase, prioritizing the interests of all Syrian people.
Meanwhile, a Saudi Arabian delegation led by a royal court advisor met with Sharaa at the presidential palace in Damascus. Details of the meeting have not been disclosed.
In a show of support, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributed food baskets and hygiene kits to 551 families in Aleppo on the same day. This marks the second phase of a project providing assistance to those affected by the earthquake in early 2024.
