Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a stern warning Tuesday against any separatist moves in Syria, declaring that Türkiye would consider such actions a direct threat to its national security and would respond accordingly.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill in Ankara, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s openness to dialogue with Syrian groups but firmly ruled out tolerance for divisionist agendas.

“Discuss anything you wish, make whatever demands you have—Türkiye is willing to assist. But if you go beyond that, we will not allow ourselves to remain under threat,” Fidan stated.

Fidan also blamed Israel for exacerbating instability in Syria, accusing Tel Aviv of deliberately pursuing policies designed to weaken neighboring states and plunge the region into perpetual disorder.

“Israel does not want to see any strong and stable country in its region. It wants Syria fragmented and in chaos,” Fidan said.

According to the Turkish foreign minister, Türkiye has been monitoring developments in southern Syria with growing concern, particularly since Israeli airstrikes intensified following recent clashes in the city of Suwayda between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups.

The unrest in Suwayda began on July 13 amid tribal clashes, which quickly escalated. Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syrian military positions in and around Damascus, citing the protection of Druze communities as justification. However, most Druze leaders have publicly opposed foreign intervention and reiterated their support for a unified Syrian state.

In response to the violence, the Syrian government has announced four ceasefire agreements, the latest of which was reached on Saturday.

The current Syrian administration, formed after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, has been seeking to restore state authority and order across the country.

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding commitment to regional diplomacy and peace-building, underscoring that instability in neighboring states—especially Syria—poses direct risks to Türkiye in terms of terrorism, border security, and irregular migration.

“While continuing our struggle, we aim to promote stability and goodwill as part of a broader strategic vision,” he said, noting that Türkiye’s relations with Iraq, Syria, and Iran are evolving along these lines.

He also pointed to the constructive involvement of the United States, European nations, and regional actors over the past seven months in support of the Syrian people, while accusing Israel of trying to derail these collective efforts.

“While the international community works to ensure Syria does not become a base for terrorism or irregular migration, Israel undermines all peace initiatives,” he concluded.

The remarks reflect Türkiye’s growing unease over foreign interference in Syria and signal a firmer stance in protecting regional integrity, particularly along its southern border. (ILKHA)