Tensions escalate in Syria: What is the latest situation in the region?

The four-year calm in Syria has come to an end with the clashes that began on November 27. Following the events in the region, Syria has once again become the focus of the world's agenda. Here is everything happening in Syria and the latest situation.

TENSIONS ESCALATED SUDDENLY

Following the capture of Aleppo by jihadists controlling Idlib in northwestern Syria, the recurring clashes are continuing on multiple fronts. While Syrian and Russian warplanes are bombing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and jihadist centers in Idlib, clashes are also taking place between the SDF and the SNA.

The White Helmets, a relief organization for Syrian jihadists, reported that at least 25 people were killed in northwestern Syria in airstrikes conducted by Russia and Syria. The statement also noted that the Syrian army had recaptured several towns that had been seized by jihadists in recent days.

SNA ADVANCED, SDF DECLARED MOBILIZATION

It was stated that the operations called "Operation Dawn of Freedom" by the Syrian National Army (SNA), which consists of Turkey-backed jihadists, are advancing in the east, northeast, northwest, and south of Tel Rifaat, which is held by the Kurds.

While the SNA's attacks on Tel Rifaat continue, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that they are trying to establish a humanitarian corridor to evacuate the public in Tel Rifaat and Shahba to other safe areas. The “Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria,” formed by Syrian Kurds, has declared a mobilization against the jihadist attacks.

SDF'S CORRIDOR PLAN COLLAPSED

Stating that the fighters in northwestern Syria are facing intense attacks on multiple fronts, SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi said that the attacks by Turkey-backed armed groups have disrupted this corridor and that they continue to resist to protect the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo.

Tel Rifaat, located 18 kilometers from the Turkish border, had been under Kurdish control for 8 years.

INTERNATIONAL CALL

Calling on the international community for more support, Abdi said that "urgent steps must be taken" to ensure the safety of the people. The Afrin and Shahba People's Assembly announced that they have decided to evacuate civilians in the region against a possible massacre.

Since the majority of Aleppo came under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), at least three thousand people have moved to other regions.

"IT WILL HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES"

United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen emphasized in his statement that the situation in Syria is an "indication of a collective failure" to initiate a political process in the region.

Recalling that he had warned in the past that tensions could escalate, Pedersen said, "The latest developments in the country, which has been experiencing war and conflict for nearly 14 years, pose serious risks for civilians and carry serious consequences for regional and international peace and security."

The Norwegian diplomat called on the warring parties in Syria to sit at the negotiating table. The Special Envoy warned that the clashes would have "serious consequences for regional peace and security."

CALLS FOR CALM AND STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

The governments of the US, France, the UK, and Germany called on all parties to de-escalate in Syria, where attacks by jihadist groups continue.

While the Syrian National Army (SNA), consisting of Turkey-backed jihadist groups, captured Tel Rifaat, which is under the control of the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and jihadists led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured Aleppo, the statement issued expressed that the clashes show the "urgent need for a political solution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254."

The statement included the following:

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Syria and call on all parties to de-escalate. We also urgently request the protection of the civilian population and infrastructure to prevent displacement and the disruption of humanitarian access. The current escalation once again highlights the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254."

UN Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted on December 18, 2015, proposes a political transition process that includes a new constitution and free, fair elections with the participation of all parties in Syria to end the conflict, and also includes "counter-terrorism" measures.

IRAN AND RUSSIA SUPPORTED DAMASCUS

Iran and Russia, for their part, declared once again that they will continue to support Damascus in the fight against the jihadists.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when asked on Monday whether Russia plans to increase its support for Assad, said, “We continue to support Bashar al-Assad. Contacts are continuing at appropriate levels.”

Peskov stated, “We are analyzing the situation and a position will be formed on what is necessary to stabilize the situation.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who came to Ankara yesterday after meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Sunday, also declared his full support for the Assad government. Regarding his meeting with Assad, Araghchi said, “I clearly declared that the Islamic Republic of Iran gives its full support to President Assad, the government, the army, and the Syrian people.”

"OUR GREATEST WISH IS FOR IT TO END WITH A CONSENSUS"

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, who is visiting Turkey. In his statements, Erdoğan said, “As Turkey, we are ready to do whatever falls to us to extinguish the fire in our region, just as we have done in the past.”

Expressing that he is following the developments that suddenly broke out in Syria very closely, Erdoğan said, “For a long time, we have been drawing attention to the possibility that the spiral of violence in the Middle East could also affect Syria. The latest events have confirmed and registered Turkey's justification.”