Turkey Threatens Intervention in Syria: Fidan Accuses Israel of Exploiting Druze to Destabilize Region

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a strong warning on Tuesday to what he called “separatist actors” in Syria, stating that any moves toward division or instability would be considered a direct threat to Turkey’s national security and could trigger intervention.

Speaking at a press conference in Ankara alongside El Salvador’s Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill, Fidan cautioned these actors not to view the recent unrest in Suwayda as a tactical opportunity.

He directly criticized the spiritual leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, accusing him of acting as “Israel’s agent in the region.” Fidan emphasized that Israel seeks to disrupt Syria’s stability and territorial unity under the pretext of protecting the Druze minority.

“Israel doesn’t want a stable state next to its borders and is actively working to divide Syria,” Fidan said, adding that all Syrian territories should return to the control of the central government in Damascus.

He stressed that Turkey is collaborating with all parties in Syria to counter what he described as “Israel’s dangerous schemes,” and expressed hope for an end to the unrest in Suwayda and the restoration of calm and order.

The Suwayda region witnessed armed clashes on July 13 between tribal fighters and Druze groups. Syrian government forces deployed to the area but were attacked, resulting in dozens of deaths before a ceasefire was reached last Saturday.

Following the clashes, Israel escalated its military campaign under the pretext of “protecting the Druze,” launching airstrikes across four provinces, including Damascus. The attacks targeted the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff Headquarters, and the presidential palace vicinity, resulting in casualties.

"What is happening in Yemen? What caused the war? And who ignited it?