Türkiye slams Israeli strike in Syria as ‘dangerous escalation’

2026-03-21 - 10:30

Türkiye has issued a sharp condemnation of Israel’s latest airstrike in southern Syria, denouncing the operation as a “dangerous escalation” that undermines regional stability and violates fundamental principles of international law. In a formal statement released on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry declared that the attack constituted a breach of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ankara urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in halting Israeli military actions and emphasized the critical importance of implementing the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which established a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights following the Yom Kippur War. The ministry reaffirmed Türkiye’s steadfast support for Syria, stating: “Türkiye will continue, as it has done so far, to stand in solidarity with the Syrian government and its people in efforts to establish lasting stability and security in the country on the basis of Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty.” The statement reflects Ankara’s consistent position on preserving Syria’s territorial unity amid repeated Israeli military operations targeting positions inside the war-torn country. The Israeli military earlier claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting that it had targeted a command center and weapons depots belonging to the Damascus administration at military bases in southern Syria. Syrian authorities also condemned the attack, which represents the latest in a series of Israeli strikes against Syrian territory amid heightened regional tensions. The incident comes as the broader Middle East remains engulfed in escalating hostilities following the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28. The strike on Syrian infrastructure adds another layer to the volatile security landscape, with Türkiye positioning itself as a vocal advocate for adherence to international law and the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty.