ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey will not hesitate to intervene if Syria moves toward partitioning, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday, calling such a scenario a “direct threat” to Turkish national security.
Fidan accused Israel of obstructing efforts to stabilize Syria, saying it “seeks to maintain chaos” in the region and prevent the emergence of a unified Syrian state. His comments, reported by state-run Anadolu Agency, reflect growing Turkish concern over developments in southern Syria, particularly in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda.
The Turkish foreign minister also accused Druze religious leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri of acting as “an agent for Israel,” alleging that he opposes any settlement that could lead to peace in Syria.
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Fidan said recent Israeli military activity in southern Syria, framed as a move to protect the Druze community, signals a “new phase” in the conflict. “Israel aims to gradually weaken the region, while the U.S. and European countries, support the Syrian people through constructive approaches,” he said.
Despite being among the countries most affected by regional conflict and terrorism, Turkey remains committed to pursuing regional stability, Fidan added. He pointed to improving diplomatic ties with Iraq, Syria, and Iran as part of this broader effort.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed the warning on Monday, stating that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had taken a “firm stance” on the recent unrest in Suwayda, and reaffirming that Ankara would not allow Syria to be divided.
Erdoğan accused Israel of continuing to provoke tensions and acting against any stability initiative. He also claimed that most Druze factions in Suwayda have reached a consensus with other local groups, while only one remains aligned with Israel and is allegedly preventing government forces from entering the city of Suwayda.
The Turkish president said talks on the Suwayda crisis were ongoing in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with the participation of tribal leaders, Jordanian officials, and U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack. He added that Foreign Minister Fidan and Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin remain in regular contact with their U.S. and Western counterparts regarding the Syrian file.
“We will not leave President al-Sharaa alone,” Erdoğan said. “Syria’s recovery is essential for the stability of the region, particularly our southern borders.”
