Mideast countries condemn Israeli military intervention in Syria's clashes

CAIRO - Several Middle Eastern countries on Tuesday condemned Israel's military intervention in the clashes in Syria's southern province of Sweida among local Druze armed factions, Bedouin tribes, and the interim government's forces respectively.

"We condemn Israel's use of military force to intervene in the recent developments in the south of Syria and emphasize that these attacks must cease immediately," Turkiye's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Ensuring stability and security in Syria serves the interests of the Syrian people first and foremost, as well as those of all neighboring countries and the wider region," the statement said.

"Accordingly, the steps taken by the Syrian government to establish security across the country and strengthen its presence should be supported," it said.

For its part, Iran's Foreign Ministry expressed its grave concern over the deadly clashes in Syria.

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei pointed to Israel's continued military "aggressions" against Syria's territorial integrity and its "occupation" of a major part of the Syrian territory.

Baghaei called on regional and Muslim countries to make efforts to stop Israel's "law-breaking and crimes, including its unprecedented genocide in Gaza and constant aggressions against Syria and Lebanon".

The Israeli actions "constitute a blatant violation of Syria's sovereignty and a threat to regional stability", the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry reaffirms Iraq's unwavering and consistent stance in support of the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and its categorical rejection of any violations that undermine its sovereignty or endanger the safety and security of its people, read the statement.

It also urges all Syrian parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and put an end to confrontations and tensions.

Earlier on Tuesday, Syria's foreign affairs authorities condemned Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian forces in Sweida, calling the attacks "a blatant act of aggression".

The authorities said in a statement that Israeli warplanes carried out a series of air raids Tuesday morning on security positions inside and around the city of Sweida, resulting in casualties among the interim government's forces and civilians.