New york: The UN Security Council reiterated its "strong commitment" to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity while condemning interference in the country's transition.

According to Anadolu Agency, the council emphasized the importance of these principles in a statement, urging all states to respect them. It condemned "all forms of negative or destructive interference in Syria's political, security, and economic transition," warning that such interventions undermine stability efforts. The council called on all states to "refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize the country."

The council also expressed "deep concern" about the events in the southern Suwayda region in July, "strongly" condemning the violent escalation there. Suwayda has observed a ceasefire since July 19 following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left 426 dead, according to the London-based Syrian Network for Human Rights.

The statement highlighted the importance of respecting the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the role of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in this context, stressing the need to adhere to its terms to reduce tensions. On terrorist groups active in Syrian territory, the statement underscored the importance of combating all forms of terrorism within the country and expressed concern about the threat these terrorists pose.

The Security Council also expressed its support for the implementation of an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. It emphasized the need to protect all ethnic and religious groups within the country, asserting that without this protection, there can be no "meaningful recovery" in Syria.

The council welcomed the statement from the Syrian interim authorities condemning the violence and taking action to investigate and hold accountable those responsible. This declaration comes as the Syrian administration works to restore stability after Bashar al-Assad was ousted in late 2024, ending nearly 25 years of authoritarian rule. Following Assad's fall, Israel expanded its occupation of Syria's Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, violating the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israel also launched hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations.