Erdogan warns of regional fallout from Syria clashes as Putin urges calm - Region
In a phone call between the two leaders, Erdogan said the fighting in Sweida 'posed a threat to the entire region' and demanded that Israel end its interference in Syria.
Putin, according to the Kremlin's readout, underscored the 'importance of rapidly stabilising the situation through dialogue,' while expressing alarm at the scale of the violence.
Sweida, a majority-Druze province in southern Syria, has been the site of heavy clashes since Sunday, as Druze fighters battled Sunni Bedouin tribes, the army, and its allies, leaving hundreds dead.
On Thursday, Erdogan warned Israel was exploiting the Druze minority as cover for 'expanding its banditry into neighbouring Syria,' calling its actions 'the biggest problem in our region.'
Israel has said it will continue its attacks on Syrian military positions and infrastructure until Syria's government withdraws from Sweida.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ukraine proposes fresh peace talks with Russia next week - War in Ukraine
Kyiv has proposed to Moscow a new round of peace talks next week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, hours after Russian strikes across Ukraine claimed more lives. Two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv have failed to result in any progress towards a ceasefire, instead yielding large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers. "Security Council Secretary Umerov... reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week," Zelensky said in his evening address. "The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," he added. Zelensky reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sitdown with Putin. "A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace - lasting peace," he said. At talks last month, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support. Kyiv dismissed them as unacceptable and at the time questioned the point of further negotiations if Moscow was not willing to make concessions. The Kremlin said earlier this month it was ready to continue talks with Ukraine after US President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal or face sanctions. Trump also pledged to supply Kyiv with new military aid, sponsored by NATO allies, as its cities suffer ever-increasing Russian aerial attacks. Russian strikes kill three Russia has escalated long-range aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities as well as frontline assaults and shelling over recent months, defying Trump's warning. Most recently on Saturday, it had fired missile and drone strikes that killed three people across Ukraine. Two people died after a Russian missile hit Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial hub, into which Russia's forces have recently advanced. An earlier Russian salvo of 20 drones on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed at least one person overnight. Russia had to suspend trains for about four hours overnight, causing extensive delays in the southern Rostov region, when it came under a Ukrainian drone attack that wounded one railway worker. Moscow and Kyiv are menacing each other with swarms of cheap drones to overwhelm each other's air defence, as the warring sides said on Saturday they had intercepted hundreds of drones, now launched in large amounts almost daily. As part of the Istanbul agreements, Kyiv received 1,000 soldiers' bodies on Thursday, while Russia said it had received 19 from Ukraine. The European Union on Friday agreed an 18th package of sanctions on Moscow that targets Russian banks and lowers a price cap on oil exports, in a bid to curb its ability to fund the war. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
3 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Ceasefire takes effect in Syria's Suweida amid security deployments, fears of collapse
A comprehensive ceasefire came into effect on Saturday in Syria's Suweida province after an unprecedented wave of violence that left hundreds dead and injured. The Syrian government announced the deployment of security forces across flashpoint areas, warning that any breach of the agreement would face legal consequences, amid rising international concern over civilian protection. In an official statement, the Syrian presidency declared an immediate and full ceasefire, urging all parties to halt combat operations and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The statement stressed that violations would be considered an affront to national sovereignty and would be dealt with firmly. Meanwhile, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community, led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, announced an agreement brokered by 'guarantor states' with the government. The deal includes deploying General Security checkpoints outside Suweida's administrative borders and guarantees safe passage for remaining Bedouin tribal members. Interior Ministry spokesman Nour Al-Din Baba confirmed that General Security forces had begun redeployment, focusing on rural areas previously under Bedouin tribal control. Although some forces temporarily withdrew after clashes, gradual deployment has resumed. A Syrian security source said the agreement's implementation should be completed within 48 hours. This includes exchanging detainees, opening humanitarian corridors between Suweida and neighbouring Daraa, and evacuating trapped civilians. Security forces will remain stationed outside urban centres to avoid direct confrontation, with plans to extend deployment into the western and northern countryside. The Syrian Defence Ministry had earlier set a deadline for tribal fighters to surrender heavy weapons captured from local militias and withdraw from contested zones. In response, the 'Southern Tribes Coalition' pledged full compliance with the ceasefire, calling for detainee releases and the return of displaced residents. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 321 people—including six children and nine women—have been killed and over 436 wounded since violence erupted on 13 July. The casualties include civilians, tribal fighters, local armed factions, and government security personnel. US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak announced that Syria and Israel had reached a ceasefire deal backed by the United States, Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbouring countries. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Barak said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara had endorsed the agreement. He urged Druze, Bedouin, and Sunni communities to lay down arms and work towards a unified Syrian identity. While Damascus and Tel Aviv have yet to comment, Washington has stepped up diplomatic efforts to calm tensions. The European Union welcomed the truce but voiced 'shock' over the scale of sectarian violence, urging inclusive dialogue and accountability for violations of international law. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Syrian authorities to uphold justice and accountability, insisting the bloodshed must end and civilian protection must remain paramount under international law. On the humanitarian front, Syrian Social Affairs Minister Hind Qabawat confirmed that aid convoys carrying medical and food supplies are ready to move into Suweida as soon as security conditions allow, coordinated with international agencies. The Ministry of Information detailed a three-phase plan for the ceasefire: de-escalation between armed groups and tribal fighters; delivery of humanitarian aid and basic services; and finally, reactivation of government institutions and full deployment of internal security forces across the province. Locally, Sheikh Laith Wahid Al-Balaous, son of late Druze leader Wahid Al-Balaous, condemned the violence, accusing those dragging the Druze into external conflicts of serving foreign agendas. He called for national unity, an immediate investigation into civilian abuses, and concrete guarantees to prevent further violations. Although initial steps are under way, the fragile security situation and continued Israeli threats leave the ceasefire at risk. The coming days will test whether all parties can honour their commitments and prevent a return to bloodshed in southern Syria.
See - Sada Elbalad
3 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sisi Congratulates UAE Leader on Union Pledge Day
Nada Mustafa President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi sent a congratulatory cable to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of Union Pledge Day. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
