Syria’s Foreign Minister Engages Turkey Amid Ongoing Clashes

Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey to meet President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The gathering aimed to strengthen ties as Syria seeks support post-Assad regime. Amidst this visit, clashes occurred in Latakia between Assad-aligned forces and the interim government. Additionally, intense fighting continues in northeastern Syria between Kurdish forces and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army over strategic regions.

Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his inaugural official visit to Turkey. This visit follows al-Shaibani’s appointment post-Assad regime collapse, with notable discussions reportedly taking place behind closed doors at Ankara’s presidential complex.

Al-Shaibani expressed his intent to represent the new Syria, emphasizing Turkey’s consistent support for the Syrian people over the past 14 years. This support has included backing opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad since the Syrian Civil War’s inception in 2011, alongside military actions against Kurdish elements since 2016.

During his visit, al-Shaibani was supported by a high-ranking delegation, including Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab. He aims to strengthen cooperative relations with Turkey and gain assistance for a post-Assad Syria.

Violence erupted in Latakia as clashes occurred between Assad-aligned forces and Syria’s interim government, resulting in the deaths and abduction of several military personnel. In response, the Syrian interim government successfully freed the captives, underscoring ongoing tensions between regime supporters and new authorities amid military operations targeting remnants of the old regime.

In northeastern Syria, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled a significant Turkish-backed offensive. Skirmishes intensified near strategic locations, resulting in notable casualties on both sides, demonstrating continued military engagements in the region over control of critical infrastructure such as dams and bridges.

The ongoing political and military dynamics in Syria continue to evolve following the fall of the Assad regime. Turkey’s involvement has spanned support of opposition groups during the Syrian Civil War and military interventions primarily aimed against Kurdish factions. The recent meeting between Syrian and Turkish officials highlights the shifting alliances and the precarious nature of stability in the region, with the interim Syrian government seeking international support for reconstruction and governance amidst ongoing violence.

The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish President marks a vital step in building diplomatic relations following the Assad regime’s decline. Clashes in Latakia and continued skirmishes in the northeast reflect the complex and volatile interplay of power in Syria, underscoring the necessity for strategic alliances and international cooperation to navigate the post-war landscape. As the interim government seeks support, the situation remains fluid with ongoing military actions shaping the political future of Syria.

Original Source: www.newarab.com