Turkey and Syria Accuse Israel of Fueling Sectarian Violence in Suwayda
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madrid, August 13, 2023 – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Syrian counterpart, Faisal al-Miqdad, have jointly accused Israel of deliberately promoting sectarian violence in the Suwayda province of southwest Syria, where clashes have resulted in over 1,500 deaths sence July. The accusations mark a rare instance of cooperation between the governments of Turkey and Syria, which have been at odds for over a decade during the Syrian civil War.
Accusations Against israel
During a joint press conference, Fidan stated that Syria is a target of Israel’s “expansionist policies,” alleging that Israel aims to “weaken Syria and create a climate of chaos and instability” to further its own objectives. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-syria-foreign-ministers-accuse-israel-fuelling-syria-violence-2023-08-10/
Al-Miqdad echoed these sentiments, asserting that “repeated Israeli threats” constitute a “clear violation of Syrian sovereignty through attacks against infrastructure” and endanger the safety of Syrian citizens. He further claimed that Syria is facing “multiple foreign interventions,” both direct and indirect, designed to “create divisions” and exacerbate sectarian conflict. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230810-turkey-and-syria-accuse-israel-of-fuelling-sectarian-violence-in-suwayda/
The Situation in Suwayda
The unrest in Suwayda, a Druze-majority province, began in July following the arrest of a local Druze cleric and has escalated into widespread protests and clashes between local armed groups and government forces. While the initial trigger was local grievances, the Syrian and Turkish governments allege external interference aimed at exploiting these tensions. A recent truce has been fragile, with clashes resurfacing and leading to further evacuations.Reports indicate that at least 349 people have been executed during the violence. https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/turkey-syria-fm-s-joint-press-conference-israel-s-role-in-suwayda
Turkey’s Role in Syria
Turkey has historically supported various syrian opposition groups,including those affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),a jihadist organization. this support has been a notable factor in the ongoing Syrian Civil War. The recent joint statement with Syria represents a potential shift in Turkey’s approach, though the extent of any lasting reconciliation remains uncertain. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/10/turkey-syria-hold-rare-talks-as-violence-continues-in-suwayda
Israeli Response
As of August 13, 2023, Israel has not officially responded to the accusations made by Turkey and Syria. However, Israel has previously acknowledged carrying out strikes in Syria targeting Iranian-backed forces, stating these actions are necessary to prevent Iran from establishing a military foothold in the region. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-it-hit-syrian-military-targets-in-response-to-rocket-fire/
Key Takeaways
Turkey and Syria have jointly accused Israel of fueling sectarian violence in Suwayda, Syria.
The accusations allege that Israel is pursuing expansionist policies aimed at destabilizing Syria.
The situation in suwayda remains volatile despite a recent truce, with ongoing clashes and evacuations. Turkey’s historical support for Syrian opposition groups adds complexity to the current situation.
* Israel has not yet officially responded to the accusations but maintains it targets Iranian-backed forces in Syria.
This situation highlights the complex geopolitical