Erdogan Discusses Syrian Conflict with UN Secretary-General Amid Escalating Clashes

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a National Security Council meeting on Thursday, addressing regional and global issues, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Erdogan emphasized that the Syrian conflict had entered a new phase and expressed Türkiye's hope to avoid further instability and civilian casualties. He urged the Syrian regime to urgently engage with its people to achieve a comprehensive political solution. Ankara, he added, remains committed to de-escalating tensions and facilitating the political process.

Meanwhile, fighting in Syria has intensified. Anti-regime groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham have advanced in Hama province, seizing multiple villages and targeting Hama Military Airport. Russian forces are backing the Syrian regime in the escalating clashes.

Separately, the opposition Syrian National Army launched "Operation Dawn of Freedom" against the PKK/YPG on Dec. 1, liberating the town of Tel Rifaat. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU, has been involved in a decades-long campaign against Türkiye, claiming over 40,000 lives. Ankara continues its operations to prevent the group from establishing a "terror corridor" along its border.