Al-Sudani warns against extremism in Syria during call with Erdogan

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held phone discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, focusing on the escalating crisis in Syria and its implications for regional stability. Al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s strong condemnation of ethnic cleansing targeting various communities and sects in Syria, warning against the grave repercussions such acts could have on both countries and the wider region, according a statement from his media office.

In late Nov. 2024, the Syrian conflict experienced a significant escalation as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, an Islamist group, led a surprise offensive in northwestern Syria. This operation, supported by other armed factions, resulted in the rapid capture of substantial territories across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani held phone discussions today, Tuesday, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, focusing on the latest security and field developments in Syria and the region.

The Prime Minister informed President Erdoğan that Iraq will not just stand by in the face of the grave repercussions unfolding in Syria, particularly acts of ethnic cleansing targeting various components and sects. He emphasized that Iraq has previously suffered from terrorism and the outcomes of extremist groups taking control of areas in Syria, and it will not allow such a scenario to be repeated. He reaffirmed the importance of respecting Syria’s unity and sovereignty and stressed Iraq’s commitment to exerting all efforts to maintain its own security and that of Syria.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscored that Islamic nations do not need further internal divisions and highlighted that the events in Syria serve the interests of the Zionist entity, which has deliberately targeted Syrian army sites, paving the way for terrorist groups to seize more territory. He also noted that these groups have shown no support for the Palestinian people or condemnation of the aggression on Gaza.

In the phone call, emphasis was placed on the importance of joint coordination between Iraq and Türkiye, and the necessity of supporting security and stability in Syria, as it directly impacts the security and stability of Iraq and the entire region.