Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held urgent talks on Friday to address escalating violence in Syria's southern Sweida province, with both leaders warning that renewed clashes threaten regional stability. The call comes as Israeli airstrikes in Syria further complicate the security landscape.
According to statements from Ankara and Moscow, the leaders expressed “deep concern” over fighting that has killed nearly 600 people in recent days. The clashes initially stemmed from local disputes between Druze communities and Bedouin tribes but rapidly expanded into urban warfare involving Syrian interim government forces.
Erdogan emphasized the “importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty” while reaffirming Türkiye's commitment to regional security. The Kremlin noted both leaders stressed the need for dialogue to achieve “national accord” while protecting Syria's territorial integrity.
The violence marks the most severe test of Syria's stability since the collapse of its previous government six months ago. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported civilian casualties among the dead, with fighting spreading to Damascus following Israeli airstrikes targeting military sites.
Analysts suggest the crisis could impact energy markets and regional security frameworks, particularly given Syria's strategic position in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The developments underscore the fragile balance of power in post-conflict Syria as external actors navigate complex alliances.
