Iraq issues warning over rising violence in Syria, urges measures to safeguard civilians
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed significant concern over the evolving security situation in Syria, emphasizing that the increasing violence in the Arab country may have serious repercussions for the stability and security of the entire region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry emphasized the importance of “safeguarding civilians and shielding them from the harsh impacts of the conflict.”
The statement underscored the critical need for all parties to exercise self-restraint, urging them to engage in dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to military escalation.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denounced any acts targeting innocent civilians in Syria, expressing a strong condemnation of such actions.
The warning issued highlighted that ongoing violence is likely to intensify the existing crisis and further destabilize the West Asia region. This escalation is anticipated to obstruct initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the area.
Local sources have reported intense clashes erupting between militants affiliated with the ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham administration and armed opposition factions loyal to the former government in the area surrounding the al-Watani Hospital in As-Suwayda, located in southwestern Syria.
Intense combat preceded a significant explosion, though details regarding its cause, potential casualties, or the extent of damage remain unconfirmed at this time.
In other developments in the Mediterranean region, significant hostilities erupted in the western city of Latakia. The confrontations involved HTS militants and forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad near the vicinity of the Ibn Sina Hospital.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced on Friday that the recent military escalation, which commenced on Thursday, has resulted in at least 237 fatalities in Syria’s coastal region.
According to reports from the UK-based monitoring group, recent operations by HTS forces have resulted in casualties among militants, opposition fighters, and civilians in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, and Hama. This development comes as HTS intensifies its clampdown on remaining elements of the former Syrian military.
The Observatory reported that the casualty figures encompass 142 civilians, highlighting an ongoing escalation as additional troops and heavy weaponry have been mobilized to critical hotspots amidst persistent clashes in the rural areas of Latakia and Tartus.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent clashes represent the most lethal escalation since the previous government was overthrown in December last year.
