Diplomat Fidan raises worries about Israeli attacks in Syria during conversations with Syrian and American counterparts
In a recent turn of events, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a series of airstrikes on Syria, targeting the entrance to Syria's military headquarters in Damascus on July 16, 2025. These attacks have resulted in at least one reported death and 18 injuries, according to the Syrian Ministry of Health and the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The strikes in Damascus coincide with ongoing sectarian clashes in Sweida, a southern Syrian city, where tensions have risen between the Druze population, local Sunni Bedouin tribes, and the Syrian government. The Israeli military has stated its intent to continue operations in Sweida against forces attacking Druze civilians, emphasizing preparedness for various scenarios under political directives.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that the period of warnings has ended and that the IDF will deliver "painful blows," signaling a toughened military posture aimed at forcing the withdrawal of hostile groups in Sweida. The clashes in Sweida resumed hours after a ceasefire had been declared, indicating a volatile situation on the ground.
The Israeli military's actions in Sweida are being criticized as dangerous and doomed to fail by some in the international community. The international community has condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, with the Turkish government calling them sabotage of Syrian stability efforts. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, expressed deep concern over the Israeli military strikes on Damascus and southern Syria, emphasizing the need to halt all interventions that undermine efforts to stabilize Syria.
The situation in Sweida remains volatile due to ongoing clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal fighters. Fidan stressed the importance of all relevant parties contributing to peace and stability in Syria. The UAE president is scheduled to visit Turkey on July 16 for High-Level Strategic Council talks, where the situation in Syria is expected to be discussed.
Fidan also discussed the situation in Syria with U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, expressing concern over the Israeli attacks on Damascus and Sweida, which he described as alarming and posing a threat to regional security.
These developments underscore a complex security situation involving Israeli military interventions amid Syria’s internal conflicts and sectarian violence targeting the Druze population. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
- The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has expressed deep concern over the Israeli military strikes on Damascus and southern Syria, emphasizing the need to halt all interventions that undermine efforts to stabilize Syria.
- The Turkish government has criticized the Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, calling them sabotage of Syrian stability efforts.
- The UAE president is scheduled to visit Turkey on July 16 for High-Level Strategic Council talks, where the situation in Syria is expected to be discussed.
- The Turkish government uses Turkish lira for their official communications with the Syrian government, given the turmoil and challenges arising from war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news, particularly in light of the recent airstrikes in Damascus and the volatile situation in Sweida.
