Ankara: Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji has declared unwavering support for Syria, emphasizing the importance of the country's security, stability, and unity among its people. Al-Araji's statement came in the wake of recent events in Syria's coastal region and a meeting in Amman comprising representatives from Syria's neighboring countries, including Trkiye, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting in Amman reiterated support for the new Syrian government, with a consensus to establish an operations room dedicated to combating the ISIS (Daesh) terror group. Additionally, the participating countries collectively condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory. Al-Araji, in a statement on X, highlighted that the unity and stability of Syria are crucial, urging for a reasoned and moderate approach devoid of sectarian and nationalistic divides.

The Iraqi national security adviser reiterated Iraq's commitment to standing with Syria, reinforcing the notion of Syria as a "sister nation." This support comes amid heightened tensions in Syria's coastal governorates of Latakia and Tartus, where remnants of the Assad regime have launched coordinated attacks on security patrols and checkpoints, resulting in casualties.

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December, new Syrian authorities initiated a program to reconcile former regime members in the military and security forces, requiring them to surrender weapons and renounce violence. While many accepted the initiative, some armed groups, particularly in regions with high-ranking Assad officers, resisted, leading to increased instability and sporadic attacks on government forces.

Bashar Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, sought refuge in Russia on December 8, 2024, marking the end of the Baath Party's long-standing rule that began in 1963.