Foreign Ministry issues strong condemnation over suicide attack in Şam, message of support to Syria

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye issued a written statement regarding the bomb attack that occurred in the Hicaz district of Şam, the capital of Syria, which resulted in casualties. In the official statement, the attack was condemned in the strongest terms, while it was expressed that mercy was asked from Allah for those who lost their lives in the incident and urgent healing was wished for the injured. The Ministry also conveyed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the Syrian people, sharing the deep sorrow felt by Türkiye in the face of this tragic event with the public. In the statement, which shared details regarding the attack, emphasis was placed on the language of violence used and the negative effects of the attack on the region.

The attack was carried out near the Hamidiye Çarşısı, one of Şam's historical and busiest centers, at a café next to the Adalet Sarayı. According to initial information from sources close to the scene and the Suriye İçişleri Bakanlığı, a violent explosion occurred as a result of the use of an improvised explosive device (EYP). Due to the intense impact of the explosion, great panic and chaos were experienced in the region, and a café crowded with civilians was targeted at the time of the incident. The selection of civilians as the target of the attackers is seen as a factor that further increases the gravity of the incident and the dimension of human rights violations. Statements from eyewitnesses and news in the local media indicate that the explosion caused material damage to surrounding buildings and paralyzed life in the region.

According to official health reports, at least 5 civilian citizens lost their lives in this heinous attack, while 16 people were injured to varying degrees and were taken to hospitals. It is stated that the condition of some of the injured remains critical and health teams continue to intervene, and it is also expressed that there is concern that the death toll may increase. The first aid teams and fire brigades dispatched to the scene started an intensive effort to remove the injured from under the rubble, and security forces took extensive security precautions in the vicinity. Suriye government officials condemned the attack, emphasizing that the injured would be treated and the perpetrators would be held accountable.

In the statement of the Türkiye Dışişleri Bakanlığı, it was noted that the attack was evaluated not only as an act of violence but also as a provocation aimed at undermining the stability and security sought to be established in Syria. In the assessment made by the Ministry, it was emphasized that such initiatives, which aim to thwart positive steps taken for the preservation of the country's territorial integrity and tranquility, would fail. The statement expressed full confidence that the Syrian people would give the best response to these circles trying to disrupt social peace by preserving their unity and solidarity. Officials, emphasizing Türkiye's belief in Syria's stability once again, noted that such attacks would not harm Syria's peace process.

Finally, the Ministry conveyed the message that Türkiye will continue its solidarity and cooperation with the Syrian people and state during this difficult and sensitive process. It was confirmed that mutual consultations would continue on diplomatic relations between the two countries and regional security issues, and the determination to jointly fight against all kinds of terror and violence was reaffirmed. Türkiye's stance respecting Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity, and being ready to provide the necessary support for the establishment of peace, was reiterated.