Reports from international news agencies and official statements from Syrian government or opposition

Iran's Foreign Minister to Visit Syria and Turkey as Rebels Capture Aleppo, Advance Toward Damascus

Nov 30, 2024, 04:57 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Syria's capital Damascus on Sunday, followed by a visit to Turkey on Monday, amid escalating tensions due to a major offensive by Syrian rebels. The rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured large swaths of land in Idlib and Aleppo provinces, including the city of Aleppo, and are pushing south towards Damascus. Recent clashes in northern Syria have resulted in an undesirable escalation of tensions, according to Turkey's Foreign Ministry, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressing concern over the dangerous developments in a parliamentary briefing and emphasizing the importance of avoiding further instability and civilian harm. The foreign ministers of Iran and Russia held a phone call, voicing support for the Syrian government and army in confronting terrorist groups. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, discussing the impact of the offensive on the Astana peace process. Fidan noted that Ankara seeks to avoid provoking parties to prevent a wave of refugees from Aleppo. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, returning from a trip to Moscow, held phone conversations with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the latest developments and cooperation in combating terrorism. Both leaders expressed their support for Syria's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The rapid gains by the Syrian opposition forces have raised regional concerns, prompting diplomatic engagements among key stakeholders to address the escalating crisis.