Security measures increased in Northern Syria amid rising anti-Turkish provocations

Following recent provocations in northern Syria, the Syrian National Army (SNA) has deployed military forces to local administrative buildings to enhance security measures. The Joint Forces, comprising the Hamza and Suleyman Shah divisions of the SNA, released a video from their military headquarters to deter protests and armed actions. In the video, featuring the flags of Turkish and Syrian opposition groups, the message “Our flag is one, our enemy is one, we are brothers” was displayed.

In a written statement regarding the incidents, the Joint Forces called on the Syrian people not to follow “the owners of discord.” The Syrian Interim Government, formed by the opposition, issued a similar statement urging “our people living in the liberated areas not to heed provocative calls aiming to undermine the existing alliance between the Turkish and Syrian people and to attack properties and institutions built with the sacrifices of the Turkish army and the Syrian National Army.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the attacks on Turkish buildings, flags, and trucks in the Euphrates Shield Operation area under Turkish control in northern Syria. In a statement on its social media account, the ministry said, “It is wrong to use the unfortunate incidents that occurred in Kayseri following a crime for which our state’s judicial processes are being conducted, as a tool for provocations beyond our borders. Türkiye’s efforts and principled stance for the well-being of the Syrian people are above all kinds of provocations.”

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunc commented on the provocations in Syria, stating, “The disrespect and vile attacks on our Turkish Flag are absolutely unacceptable.” He further explained that the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had initiated an investigation ex officio under Article 300/1 of the Turkish Penal Code for “Insulting the Symbols of State Sovereignty” regarding the attacks on the Turkish Flag featured in social media footage.

Syrian Interim Government Prime Minister Abdurrahman Mustafa made live statements regarding the provocations. Prime Minister Mustafa said, “Yesterday, some unfortunate events occurred in Kayseri. The institutions of the Republic of Türkiye are taking necessary actions. This isolated incident is not beneficial for either the Syrian or Turkish side.” He continued, “We are guests here, and the Syrians here must understand the value of being guests. We tell the Syrians here to comply with Turkish laws. Those who do not comply with Türkiye’s rules are being deported.”

The Syrian Interim Government made critical statements following attacks on Turkish buildings, flags, and trucks in the Euphrates Shield Operation area. The statement highlighted the historical and geographical brotherhood between Turks and Arabs, emphasizing that “despite all the difficulties faced by the region, this brotherhood will continue for centuries, as it is the shared destiny of both peoples. Therefore, the Syrian Interim Government condemns all extremist actions against Syrian refugees fleeing the crimes of the Assad regime, its allies, and terrorist organizations.”

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun addressed the unrest in Kayseri and developments in the Euphrates Shield Operation area, stating, “The provocations aimed at disrupting the public order and the attempts to disturb our nation’s peace by elements led by Türkiye’s enemies will not achieve their goals, thanks to the devoted efforts of our state and its institutions.”

In Aleppo’s Mare district, Turkish trucks were set on fire, and the Turkish Flag was attacked. Reinforcements were sent by the Turkish Armed Forces, with military units being cheered by residents as they crossed the border. Similar attacks occurred in the cities of al-Bab and Azaz, where crowds stoned Turkish trucks and attacked Turkish flags and buildings.

In light of these events, all parties are urged to remain calm and cautious against provocations to reduce tensions in Syria.