Turkish President Erdogan calls NATO Chief to discuss Syria’s developing situation

Europe, Middle East, News December 11, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on December 10, 2024, according to Anadolu new agency. The conversation addressed the rapidly changing situation in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.

According to government sources and Turkish media outlets, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s unwavering commitment to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and stability during a phone call with the NATO Secretary General.

“President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The call addressed the latest developments in Syria,” stated Turkey’s Directorate of Communications on X. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey has consistently preserved Syria’s unity since the outbreak of its civil war, asserting that the Syrian people should govern their nation.

The Turkish Presidency issued a statement confirming Erdogan’s pledge to “keep doing everything in its power for the establishment of a unified and terror-free Syria.”

Ankara also advocated for an inclusive political solution in Syria and called on international actors, particularly the United Nations, to support the Syrian people in creating a new administration.

*^{NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Image Credit: X/@SecGenNATO)}*

Rapid shift in Syria

Syria has experienced dramatic changes after anti-regime forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a swift 12-day offensive that culminated in the fall of Damascus on Sunday. Many areas were taken over with little resistance. Russian media reported that Bashar Al Assad had sought asylum in Moscow following his ousting.

Turkey has supported one of the rebel groups, the Syrian National Army (SNA) against Assad’s regime throughout the conflict. While not directly involved in HTS’s offensive, Ankara has expressed support for the diverse opposition forces that played a role in Assad’s removal. Erdogan voiced hope that Assad’s departure would pave the way for millions of Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey to return home.

Cross-border security operations

Since the collapse of Assad’s regime, several speculations have been rising about Turkey and its ambitions to seize Syrian territory. However, Ankara has consistently reiterated its lack of territorial ambitions in Syria. Erdogan reiterated this stance on Monday, stating, “Turkey has no eye on the territory of any other country. The only aim for our cross-border operations is to save our homeland from terrorist attacks.”

Since 2016, Turkey has carried out multiple military operations targeting the PKK and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG. While the United States has supported the YPG as a key ally against ISIS, Ankara views the group as a direct extension of the PKK, which it has fought for decades and is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU.

*^{Turkish soldiers patrolling in Syria. (Image Credit: Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri/Anadolu Agency)}*

Erdogan’s remarks underscore Turkey’s dual focus on fostering a stable, inclusive government in Syria while securing its borders from terror threats.

Turkey has called for an “inclusive” government in Syria to ensure stability in the region. Erdogan’s government continues to press for international support to address the humanitarian crisis and promote the return of refugees to a unified Syria free from terrorism.

As the dust settles on Assad’s dramatic fall, Turkey’s leadership remains a pivotal player in shaping the next chapter of Syria’s history.