Official: Türkiye opposes actions threatening peace in Syria

Spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry Oncu Keceli has said that Türkiye has voiced strong opposition to any actions that could undermine the Syrian people's right to live in peace and prosperity.

Keceli was commenting on the recent developments in Syria's Latakia province, Caliber.Az reports via the ministry’s message on X.

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Sözcüsü Öncü Keçeli’nin Lazkiye ve Çevresinde Yaşanmakta Olan Gelişmeler Hakkındaki Soruya Cevabı https://t.co/R8Y3e44Zs6 pic.twitter.com/KlMOethfSw

— T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_Disisleri) March 7, 2025

The spokesman reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting both the Syrian people and the government, emphasising the country’s unwavering stance on standing by Syria in its efforts to achieve peace. 

He also called for all efforts to be made to prevent provocations that could threaten the stability and peace of Syria and the wider region. 

He noted that there are ongoing efforts to "establish security and stability in Syria," and warned that the rising tensions in Latakia and its surrounding areas could hinder the broader goal of unity and solidarity for Syria. Keceli cautioned that attacks on security forces during such a critical time could severely impact the ongoing efforts to maintain national cohesion.

 Earlier reports indicated that following an attack on security forces in Latakia, military operations are intensifying in the region, with the aim of locating and neutralising remnants of forces associated with the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The recent violence in Syria marks the deadliest clashes since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in a swift December offensive led by Islamist rebels.

Over 70 people have been killed and dozens more injured in confrontations between Syrian security forces and fighters loyal to the deposed leader.

In response, Syria’s new authorities dispatched significant security reinforcements overnight to the cities of Latakia and Tartus in the northwest in an effort to stabilise the situation. The coastal region, home to Assad's minority Alawite sect, remains a stronghold of support for the former president.

The recent violence is the worst since Assad's removal from power in early December by insurgent groups, primarily led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 35 members of the state forces, 32 Assad loyalists, and 4 civilians were killed, with dozens more injured.

By Naila Huseynova