Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, warning that the sudden flare-up of violence in Syria’s southern Sweida province threatens regional stability. Türkiye’s presidency said Erdogan stressed that Israel must respect Syria’s sovereignty as tensions escalate.
The Kremlin added that both leaders shared deep concern over recent clashes and Israeli airstrikes. "It is crucial to stabilize the situation as soon as possible through dialogue and by strengthening the national accord while respecting the legitimate rights of all members of Syria’s multi-confessional society," it said.
Last week’s violence erupted from a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen. It quickly spiraled into a full-blown urban conflict involving forces from Syria’s interim government. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll is approaching 600, including dozens of civilians and hundreds of fighters.
In response to the Druze community’s plight, Israel launched airstrikes on military sites in Sweida and the capital, Damascus, citing protection of civilians. The move has added another layer to an already volatile situation.
Both Erdogan and Putin underlined the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. They reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for stability and the country’s swift recovery once calm returns to the ground. As regional powers seek a path toward dialogue, observers will be watching whether high-level diplomacy can cool a crisis that has shaken the Middle East.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
