Türkiye closely following developments in Syria, taking necessary measures. Erdoğan

Türkiye is closely monitoring recent developments in Syria as clashes between the Bashar al-Assad regime and armed opposition forces escalate, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Monday.

Speaking alongside Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic during a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye's commitment to addressing the unfolding situation.

He noted that Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalin are in constant communication with their counterparts to assess the situation and take necessary measures.

Erdoğan stressed Türkiye's stance on preserving Syria's territorial integrity and ending instability through consensus in alignment with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.

"Our greatest wish is to see peace in Syria," he said, adding that Ankara is prepared to take all necessary actions to de-escalate tension in the region.

The president also reiterated Türkiye's principled and consistent position on broader Middle Eastern conflicts.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Erdoğan underlined the urgent need for a cease-fire and criticized Israel for failing to fulfill its promises regarding Gaza. 

"More than 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza. How can we trust promises when no concrete progress has been made?" he asked.

He also expressed support for the recent cease-fire agreement in Lebanon and added that the escalation of violence in the Middle East holds the potential to spill over into Syria.

"Recent events have confirmed our concerns that regional tensions can impact Syria as well," he said.

The hostilities in Syria mark a significant re-escalation of violence following a period of...