Syrian Offensive Triggers Trilateral Meeting As 280,000 Flee Their Homes
A Turkish diplomatic source informed Reuters on Friday that the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia will convene in Doha, Qatar’s capital, on Saturday. Their meeting aims to address the burgeoning developments and recent territorial gains made by armed factions in Syria.
Regional Concerns Rise Amid Escalating Violence
This emergency meeting follows a recent influx of refugees fleeing the conflict zone. Since the armed factions launched their offensive on November 27, an estimated 280,000 people have been displaced, according to data released by the United Nations on Friday. Concerns are mounting that the number could skyrocket to 1.5 million.
The UN warning coincides with a statement from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Syrian counterpart, Bassam Sabbagh, who warned on Friday that recent developments in Syria pose a “serious threat” and could have a “direct impact” on regional security.
Iran Reaffirms Support for Assad Regime
Prior to the turbines gathering, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Turkey. His trip came after the sudden surge in armed faction activity within Syria.
“I conveyed Iran’s message confirming its full and categorical support for the President of the Syrian Republic, the government, and the Syrian people,” Araqchi stated, according to the Iranian Tasnim Agency.
Araqchi emphasized the need to “protect the achievements of the Astana process” which was sponsored by Russia, Iran and Turkey and brought about a ceasefire in Idlib in 2020.
Iran, a committed ally of the Assad regime, has deployed military advisors alongside Syrian government forces throughout the conflict.
Armed Opposition Makes Territorial Gains
The tripartite meeting will occur after armed factions spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group classified as a designated terrorist organization by the United States, broke through defense lines and entered the administrative borders of the city of Homs from the north on Friday. They successfully gained control over several villages and towns that had previously been outside of the Syrian government’s control for years. These areas were established as “settlement” zones after 2018.
The Military Operations Department of the “Deterring Aggression” operation, the operation name for the offensive spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and allied Syrian factions announced its control over the cities of Rastan and Talbiseh. They further announced control of the Engineering Battalion situated on the outskirts of Rastan, located on the outskirts of Homs, central Syria, following the withdrawal of Syrian regime forces and pro-Iranian militias from those areas.
What are the potential consequences for neighboring countries if the Syrian crisis escalates further?
## Interview: Syrian Crisis Triggers Trilateral Talks
**Host:** We’re here today to discuss the escalating situation in Syria where a recent offensive by armed factions has sent shockwaves throughout the region. Joining us to unpack these developments is Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle East expert at the Institute for International Studies. Dr. Carter, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, can you shed some light on the recent offensive and its impact?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. As we know, armed factions launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo on November 27th [[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/30/g-s1-36257/shock-offensive-insurgents-syrias-largest-city-aleppo)]. This operation has resulted in significant territorial gains for these groups and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that over 280,000 people have already been displaced, with fears that the number could reach 1.5 million [[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/30/g-s1-36257/shock-offensive-insurgents-syrias-largest-city-aleppo)].
**Host:** This crisis has prompted a trilateral meeting between Turkey, Iran, and Russia. What are the likely goals of this meeting?
**Dr. Carter:** This meeting in Doha is crucial, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Turkey, Iran, and Russia are key players in the Syrian conflict, and their interests often clash. However, they also share a desire to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control. This meeting aims to de-escalate tensions, find common ground on a potential ceasefire, and address the refugee crisis.
**Host:** It’s clear that the situation in Syria has regional ramifications. What are the immediate concerns for neighboring countries?
**Dr. Carter:**
The escalating violence in Syria directly threatens regional stability. As we’ve seen with the massive humanitarian exodus, neighbouring countries like Iraq and Lebanon are already feeling the strain. This influx of refugees can put immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and social cohesion in these countries. The statement from the Iraqi and Syrian foreign ministers highlights the shared concerns about the potential for regional destabilization and the need for swift international efforts to address the crisis.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for providing such insightful analysis. It’s clear that the situation in Syria demands urgent attention from the international community.
