Erdogan backs rebel advance in Syria: “Our hope this march continues”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for the opposition forces’ advance in Syria, as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebels push toward Homs after capturing Hama, marking a dramatic shift in Syria’s 13-year civil war.

“Idlib, Hama, Homs, and of course the target is Damascus. The opposition’s march is continuing as we speak. Our hope is that this advance in Syria continues without any incident,” Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers on December 6.

“We had called on Assad to come and determine Syria’s future together, but unfortunately, we didn’t receive a positive response. Now Hama and Homs are in the opposition’s hands after Idlib, and there’s an advance toward Damascus. These troubling developments in the region are not what we desire, our hearts don’t want this. Unfortunately, the region is in distress,” he added.

His comments came hours after HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani appeared on CNN International, using his real name in a rare interview where he declared that their goal was to “overthrow Bashar al-Assad.”

In June, following Assad’s signals for normalizing relations with Türkiye, Erdogan had indicated the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries after a 12-year break. However, Damascus had set Türkiye’s withdrawal from Syria as a precondition for any normalization talks.

Türkiye’s diplomatic push on Syria

The Turkish National Security Council (MGK) held a critical meeting a day before as opposition forces advanced, calling on the Syrian regime to reach a settlement with the opposition. The council emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity.

“This once again demonstrates that the regime must reconcile with its own people and legitimate opposition; our country has always strongly supported the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and unity and is ready to provide all necessary contributions; it has been stressed that terrorist organizations attempting to exploit the instability will never be allowed, and any threat to our national security and our people will be eliminated,” the statement read.

The Turkish president also held phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as diplomatic efforts intensified.

The opposition’s offensive, began on November 27, has resulted in the fastest territorial gains in the conflict’s history. After capturing Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, opposition forces took control of Hama on December 5 and are now advancing toward Homs.

BBC reports indicate tens of thousands of people are fleeing Homs, with particular concern among Assad’s Alawite minority community.