Venezuela disagrees with HTS's attacks on the Syrian population and again states its backing for Assad.
Mexico City, Mexico, December 3, 2024 (our website) - In an unexpected move, the Venezuelan government demonstrated solidarity with the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad following recent attacks by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the province of Aleppo.
"We unequivocally denounce the ongoing hostilities waged by the terrorists under HTS's banner, causing immense suffering to the civilian population within Aleppo and intensifying the humanitarian crisis," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared on Saturday.
The statement continued by urging "an immediate halt to outside support for the rebel forces seeking to bring down the Assad administration."
Notably, this marked the first publicly known instance of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expressing solidarity with the Syrian government, despite historical ties dating back to 1946. The communique between the two nations may indicate a shifting approach to the Syrian Civil War.
HTS is a descendant of the Islamist organization Al Nusra Front, an affiliate of Al Qaeda, which aimed to replace the Assad government with one aligned with radical Salafi jihadist ideology and backed by western powers and the Netanyahu regime.
In recent months, Hezbollah and the Assad government have maintained a close alliance, with Syria playing a crucial role supporting the Lebanese group and, to a lesser extent, Palestinian resistance organizations following the reestablishment of ties with Hamas in October 2023. Turkey has been suspected to support HTS, though there is no confirmed evidence.
The HTS's recent attacks may be motivated by perceived weaknesses within their rivals such as Hezbollah and the Assad government. These developments follow a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, setting the stage for a new phase within the 13-year conflict.
Venezuela, a vocal defender of Palestinian rights, found itself on the same side of the regional conflict as the Syrian army and their local allies, who are now deeply engaged in tense clashes with HTS in Aleppo and Hama provinces.
Recent events have seen Venezuela's unwaivering stance against the US, Israel, and their regional allies, whom it categorizes as part of an anti-fascist movement. In September, Caracas played host to the World Congress Against Fascism, followed by the International Conference in Solidarity with Palestine, where Palestinian fighter Leila Khaled called on people around the world to join the struggle, inspired by martyrs Hugo Chávez and Hassan Nasrallah.
Khaled's visit to the El Panal Commune featured an encounter with local residents, a symbolic gesture of unity that she described as providing the strength to continue the struggle.
Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.
Insights:
- Venezuela's solidarity with Syria may signal a potential shift in Venezuela's approach to the Syrian Civil War.
- Alleged support from Turkey for HTS has contributed to tensions within the region.
- The El Panal Commune represents a unifying force between various international groups, including Palestinian resistance organizations.
- The Venezuelan government's support for the Syrian government in the ongoing conflict, as demonstrated by their recent statement, could signal a shift in Venezuela's approach to the Syrian Civil War.
- Turkey's suspected support for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been a source of regional tension, with HTS recently launching attacks on Syrian government forces in Aleppo and Hama provinces.
- The El Panal Commune in Venezuela, which recently played host to meetings with international groups such as Palestinian resistance organizations, serves as a symbol of unity among various global anti-fascist movements.
- In light of recent events, including the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel and the visit of Palestinian fighter Leila Khaled to Venezuela, the nation has maintained a firm stance against the US, Israel, and their regional allies, categorizing them as part of an anti-fascist movement.
