Doha: The Turkish Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that the government of Syria requested Turkiye's official support in strengthening its defense capabilities and combating terror groups, especially ISIS.

According to Qatar News Agency, Turkish Defense Ministry sources noted that Turkiye continues to provide Syria with training, consultancy, and technical support to enhance Syria's defense capacity. The sources emphasized that Israel's increasingly intensified strikes have heightened tensions between the Syrian government and the Druze community in the southern As Suwaida region. They reiterated Turkiye's commitment to preserving Syria's territorial integrity, ensuring stability, and combating terrorist organizations, with the main objective being to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity while striving for lasting peace in the region.

In a related context, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk criticized Israel for causing instability in the Middle East and ignoring international law since October 7, 2023. Akturk highlighted that Israel's excessive and indiscriminate attacks on the Gaza Strip have targeted civilians, particularly women and children, constituting serious violations of fundamental human values and international norms.

Akturk further stated that the blockade of humanitarian aid, restrictions on access to basic life necessities, and systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure have exacerbated the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He stressed that this situation impacts the conscience of humanity as a whole and urged the international community to urgently fulfill its responsibilities, take a strong and unified stance, and work to prevent further human losses while restoring peace and stability in the region.