Military developments in NW Syria seek to redraw country’s map – Assad
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared on Monday that the military developments in Syria represent an attempt to reshape the country’s borders to align with the interests of the United States and Western countries.
During discussions with Iranian President Massoud Bezhkishan, al-Assad addressed the recent escalation and emphasized the importance of Syrian-Iranian cooperation in combating terrorism.
He added, that the ongoing escalation serves long-term goals of dividing the region and fragmenting its states to suit American and Western agendas.
Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known al-Nusra Front) have seized full control of Idlib, Aleppo, and parts of the Hama countryside in a sweeping ground offensive launched on Nov. 26. The Syrian government forces have retreated from most areas in response to the assault.
Bezhkishan reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast support for Syria, stating that any violation of Syria’s unity threatens the region’s stability and coherence.
He further emphasized that Iran is prepared to provide comprehensive support to Syria to combat terrorism.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Ankara following his trip to Damascus, called for ensuring that Syria does not become a hub for terrorism.
He noted that this stance aligns with Turkey’s position and highlighted the necessity of reviving the Astana peace process to address the Syrian crisis.