Risk of renewed conflict in Syria

Recent conflicts in various territories of Syria pose a risk of pulling the Middle Eastern nation into a new wave of violence following a prolonged period of simmering tensions.

The international community is urging immediate measures to prevent the escalation of conflict in Syria, which increases the likelihood of a resurgence of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

The conflict, which erupted in Syria in 2011 and has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions, has quieted in recent years after Iran and Russia aided President Bashar al-Assad's government in regaining control over most territories and major cities.

However, the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once known as the Nusra Front, launched a large-scale surprise attack on over 50 towns and villages towards northern Aleppo on November 27, marking the first attack on Aleppo since 2016 when the government regained control from rebels.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that rebels have taken control of Aleppo Airport and dozens of nearby towns after capturing most of Aleppo City. They also seized the town of Maraat al-Numan in Idlib Province, utilising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during their attacks.

In just a few days, clashes between Syrian government forces and rebels have caused over 1,000 deaths.

In response to this situation, Russia conducted airstrikes in several areas for the first time since 2016. The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said the missile and bomb strikes had targeted “militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions” in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

Meanwhile, in northern Syria near the Turkish border, Turkish state media Anadolu reported that Yasar Cekik, an important local leader of the Syrian Kurdish People's Defence Units (YPG), was killed in an operation by Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT),

According to SOHR, on December 1, Turkish-backed rebels captured Tal Rifaat from Kurdish forces.

Since 2016, Turkey has conducted operations in northern Syria to eliminate Kurdish forces and has secured large areas there.

SOHR warned that around 200,000 Syrian Kurds in north Aleppo Province have been "besieged by pro-Turkey factions".

Concerned about escalating violence in Syria, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians while urging all parties to engage in dialogue.

Meanwhile, Russia and China expressed support for President Assad's government to maintain national security and stability.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, Beijing is willing to take steps to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Syria. Russia announced its support for Syrian forces pushing back against rebels in three northern provinces as Moscow seeks to assist Assad's government.

In a joint statement, the US, along with allies France, Germany, and the UK, called for de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access.

The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.

In a similar effort to find solutions to curb rising tensions in Syria, the President of the United Arab Emirates met with the Saudi Crown Prince to discuss strategies to prevent further crises in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in Syria. Both sides stressed the importance of fostering Arab cooperation in light of the complex challenges facing the region.

Following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised that achieving peace and stability in Syria requires concluding the political process between the regime and the opposition. Turkey is ready to contribute to such a dialogue, he stated.

The ongoing violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties and severe damage to infrastructure while disrupting essential services.

Over a decade ago, Syria faced a tragic civil war that became fertile ground for IS terrorism. If current conditions remain uncontrolled, they may create a "security gap", allowing IS to resurge in the context when the Middle East is being devastated by many conflicts and serious security instability.

NDO