Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a crucial phone conversation on Friday, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in Syria’s southern province of Sweida.
According to statements from both the Turkish presidency and the Kremlin, the two leaders emphasized the urgent need to stabilize the situation through dialogue and by respecting the legitimate rights of all members of Syria’s diverse society.
“Erdogan underlined the importance of Israel not violating Syria’s sovereignty,” the Turkish statement noted, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to promoting stability and supporting Syria’s swift recovery.
The Kremlin echoed these sentiments, highlighting that both sides stressed the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Sweida has been rocked by deadly clashes over the past week. What began as a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen quickly spiraled into intense urban conflict involving various forces. By Thursday, reports indicated nearly 600 people had been killed, including civilians and fighters from all sides, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
As tensions grew, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites in Sweida and Damascus, citing the protection of the Druze community in Syria. These actions have added another layer of complexity to the already fragile situation.
The sudden eruption of violence has exposed the deep instability in Syria, sending shockwaves across the region. The international community watches closely as key players like Türkiye and Russia engage in efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
Both Erdogan and Putin reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Syria, underscoring the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among all parties involved.
