Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with President Erdogan in Turkey, emphasizing support for a new Syria post-Assad. The visit coincided with clashes between pro-Assad forces and interim authorities in Latakia. Additionally, Kurdish-led forces repelled an attack from Turkish-backed factions in northeast Syria, reflecting ongoing violent conflicts in the region.
Asaad al-Shaibani, the interim Foreign Minister of Syria, visited Turkey for his first official meeting since his appointment, engaging with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions, taking place in Ankara, focused on forging relationships following the Assad regime’s decline. Al-Shaibani emphasized representing a new Syria, acknowledging Turkey’s longstanding support for Syrians throughout a 14-year conflict, which initially stemmed from the Assad regime’s repression.
During the visit, al-Shaibani was accompanied by key officials, including Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab, in fostering relations with Turkish leadership. The interim minister has already toured several Middle Eastern nations and is expected to establish further strategic ties, especially with Turkey’s assistance in Syria’s post-Assad recovery.
Simultaneously, clashes erupted in Latakia between pro-Assad forces and representatives of the interim Syrian government, following the deaths and captures of military personnel. Efforts to rescue the captured individuals were reported successful, signifying rising tensions and intensified military activity in the region against remnants of the Assad regime.
Additionally, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) opposed an offensive from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) at strategic locations in northeastern Syria. This conflict has seen significant casualties, furthering the ongoing struggle for control over critical resources in the area. The SNA’s assaults have evoked defensive responses from the SDF, leading to multiple attacks and retaliations in pursuit of regional dominance.
The situation in Syria has been severely exacerbated since the onset of the civil war in 2011, which was initiated by the government’s violent suppression of peaceful protests. Turkey has consistently supported opposition factions throughout the conflict, marking its strategic interest in the outcomes across the border. The recent appointment of al-Shaibani signifies a crucial moment for the Syrian interim government as it seeks to establish a recognized, legitimate presence in international discourse and as a key player in regional stabilization. Conflict continues to plague various regions of Syria, including Latakia and northern territories, where clashes between Kurdish forces and the Turkish-backed SNA underlie the complexities of the civil war and the shifting alliances. Both the Syrian Democratic Forces and SNA prioritize gaining control over strategic locations and resources critical to their respective operational integrity and power in the region.
The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish leaders underscores a pivotal effort to build new diplomatic relations post-Assad. As Russia and Iran continue to support the Assad regime, Turkey’s role in aiding Syrian opposition forces remains crucial. Ongoing military clashes highlight the volatile dynamics, illustrating how territorial control and strategic alliances will shape Syria’s future in this complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
