Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Condemnation Message for Attack in Damascus

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey issued an official condemnation statement regarding the attack that occurred in the Hicaz region of Damascus, the capital of Syria, and resulted in loss of life. In a written statement made by the Ministry, it was emphasized that the act was condemned in the strongest terms, criticizing it in harsh language due to the proximity of the targeted region to civilian settlements and the severity of the attack's consequences. This attack has brought concerns regarding the continuing instability and security issues stemming from the civil war Syria has endured for many years back to the agenda, while it was underscored that it is unacceptable for the international community to remain silent to such incidents.

Reiterating its commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and political unity, Turkey expressed that it considers such violent acts to be among the biggest obstacles to the establishment of a permanent environment of peace and stability in Syria. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials proclaimed to the public that even if the attack was carried out with the claim of hitting only a military target, the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of infrastructure are inhumane and incompatible with the fundamental principles of international law. It was also added among the information that such incidents deepen the psychological and physical traumas that hinder the normalization process of the Syrian people and the return of millions of victims living in the region.

Diplomatic sources examining the details of the issue pointed out that an independent investigation by impartial observers needs to be initiated urgently regarding who or whom carried out the attack. The rapid increase in tension in the region, the increasing frequency of ceasefire violations between the conflicting parties, and the targeting of civilians becoming increasingly routine make the situation even more dangerous and complex. Calling on the international community, officials stated that similar incidents cannot be prevented unless the perpetrators of the attack are held accountable and necessary deterrent penalties are imposed, and therefore called for responsibility to be taken.

While the developments in the region continue to pose a serious risk factor for Syria's political future and the security of neighboring countries in the long term, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will remain a close follower of the event to shed light on it without compromising the principles of transparency and justice. Although Turkey's Syria policy has centered on the right of the people to self-determination from the very beginning, it is a known fact that such provocative actions strengthen violence-centered groups that try to violate the will of the people. Therefore, it was expressed that all actors involved in the attack should be held accountable under international law and diplomatic channels should be used effectively to eliminate such threats against Syria's stability.

Finally, referring to the historical and strategic importance of the Hicaz region where the attack took place, it was stated that the violence experienced in any part of a city as ancient as Damascus is a loss not only for Syrians but for the entire human family. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its expectation of sensitivity from the international community for the protection of Syria's territorial integrity and for the common conscience of humanity to say stop to such massacres, while Turkey continues to follow the developments beyond its borders with great care. The statement ended with a call for a ceasefire to become permanent as soon as possible and for humanitarian aid to be delivered without obstacles.