Turkey has firmly dismissed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, which described the toppling of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad as a 'hostile takeover' by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countered these remarks, emphasizing that it was not an 'overthrow' by Turkey but rather the will of the Syrian people. Trump had praised Turkey's actions, suggesting they were carried out effectively without significant casualties.
As opposition forces led by the Islamist HTS militia took control of Damascus, Assad fled to Russia. For years, Turkey has been a crucial supporter of the opposition against Assad, hosting millions of Syrian refugees and backing groups opposing the Syrian government's forces.
Fidan clarified that Turkey does not seek to govern Syria, highlighting the importance of cooperation and solidarity with the Syrian people. He refuted claims of Turkey planning an offensive on the Kurdish-held city of Kobane, stating that such matters are now under the new Syrian administration's jurisdiction.
Tensions remain high in northeastern Syria between the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-supported groups. Turkey views the Kurdish YPG militia, a component of the SDF, as a terrorist entity linked to the PKK. This has led to increased Turkish military presence and operations in the region.
International actors are engaging with Syria's new rulers, although concerns persist over HTS's origins from the Al-Nusra Front, linked to Al-Qaeda. Fidan called for a reevaluation of HTS's terrorist designation, noting their efforts to distance themselves from radical elements, while maintaining Turkey's stance against them as a terrorist group.
