Ankara, December 9, 2024 – The Europe Today: Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the rapidly evolving situation in Syria and regional security issues during a phone call on Sunday, the Turkish Defence Ministry announced via X (formerly Twitter).
The call took place hours after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking a historic turning point in Syria following decades of authoritarian rule.
The US Department of Defense confirmed the conversation, emphasizing the significance of bilateral coordination. “Secretary Austin and Minister Güler both reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between the US and Türkiye to prevent further escalation in an already volatile situation and to ensure the safety of US forces and partners involved in the Defeat-ISIS Mission,” Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder stated.
Austin acknowledged Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns and highlighted the ongoing risks posed by ISIS and other destabilizing actors in the region.
Syrian Opposition Advances
The Assad regime faced rapid territorial losses in recent days. Armed opposition groups initiated clashes on November 27 in rural areas west of Aleppo. By November 30, they had seized control of Aleppo’s central districts and Idlib province. The momentum continued as the opposition gained control of Hama city center and made significant advances in Homs province, a critical route to Damascus.
On Saturday, opposition forces entered the southern suburbs of the capital and by Sunday morning had taken control of Damascus, including the Defence and Interior Ministries and the city’s international airport.
International Response
The situation has drawn global attention, with Defence Secretary Austin noting the need for caution regarding the opposition’s actions and statements. Türkiye and the US reiterated their commitment to closely monitoring developments and ensuring the protection of shared security interests in the region.
The rapid collapse of Assad’s regime marks a dramatic shift in Syria’s decade-long conflict, with the international community bracing for potential repercussions across the region.
