Algeria condemns Israel's seizure of buffer zone in Syria

Algeria has condemned Israel's recent move to seize a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria's Golan Heights following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

In an official statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition to Israel’s actions, labeling them a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

"Algeria strongly condemns the Zionist entity’s [Israel’s] decision to terminate the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and seize the buffer zone in the occupied Golan, thus violating Syria’s sovereignty, and launching attacks on its territory," the statement said. 

The ministry further accused the Israeli military of taking advantage of Syria's ongoing instability to impose a new fait accompli that aligns with its "expansionist and settlement-focused policies." 

Algeria also criticized the Israeli army for its intensified attacks on Syrian facilities and institutions in recent weeks. Reaffirming its steadfast support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and its legitimate right to reclaim the occupied Golan Heights in line with international law, Algeria urged the international community to take coordinated action to safeguard Syria’s sovereignty and security.

On December 8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his military to seize control of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region that has been under Israeli occupation for decades. Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Russia after anti-regime forces took control of the capital, Damascus, on December 8. This marked the fall of the Baath Party regime, which had ruled Syria since 1963.

By Naila Huseynova