On December 3, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation regarding the ongoing conflict involving opposition factions against Syrian government forces.
The Kremlin emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of the opposition's offensive and expressed full support for what it termed the 'efforts of legitimate authorities to restore stability and constitutional order.'
Both leaders discussed enhancing cooperation, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Astana talks, which also involve Iran as a guarantor state.
Erdogan highlighted the importance of expanding diplomatic space in the region and urged the Syrian government to engage in the political resolution process at this stage. He reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to the territorial integrity of Syria and its efforts toward achieving a fair and lasting solution in the country.
In light of recent developments, Erdogan stressed the critical need to protect civilians, emphasizing that Syria should not become a source of further instability.
Since November 27, 2024, opposition factions have launched a military operation named 'Deterrence of Aggression' in response to repeated shelling by government forces in northwestern Syria. The objective is to expand 'safe areas' for the return of displaced persons.
The opposition's military command reported significant advancements across various fronts in the Hama and Aleppo countrysides, amid a collapse in government forces.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that interpreting the situation in Syria in terms of foreign intervention is a mistake, asserting that this perspective serves those unwilling to acknowledge the realities on the ground. He attributed the resurgence of widespread conflicts in Syria to unresolved interconnected issues over the past 13 years, criticizing the neglect of the legitimate demands of the Syrian opposition and the lack of genuine engagement from the government in the political process.