Turkey’s Role in the Fall of Assad’s Regime: Key Diplomatic and Military Strategies

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed on Friday that Turkey played a pivotal role in preventing intervention by Assad’s key allies, Russia and Iran, during the recent offensive that led to the fall of the Assad regime. Speaking to NTV, Fidan discussed Turkey's influence in shaping the developments in Syria, particularly through its support for Syrian rebel groups and diplomatic efforts that helped ensure a relatively bloodless transition.

Fidan emphasized that one of Turkey’s most critical tasks during the collapse of Assad’s regime was ensuring that Russia did not intervene. He explained that Turkey had held diplomatic discussions in Doha with both Russian and Iranian officials to avoid a prolonged conflict. "The most vital issue that needed to be done was for the Russians not to enter the equation as a vital issue," he stated. The cooperation between Turkish diplomats, Russia, and Iran helped to prevent a violent escalation, allowing the regime's collapse to occur with minimal bloodshed.

The Turkish foreign minister also assured that the new rulers in Damascus would prioritize the protection of Syria’s minority groups. This statement comes amid concerns over the future political landscape of Syria, particularly in relation to the Kurdish and other minority communities who had long been persecuted under Assad's regime.

Turkey’s Ambitious Role in Post-Assad Syria

As the Assad regime crumbles, Turkey is positioning itself to fill the power vacuum in Syria. It has been a significant player in the Syrian civil war, using proxy forces like the Syrian National Army (SNA) and engaging in military actions in northern Syria against Kurdish groups. Turkey views the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – which includes the Kurdish YPG – as a terrorist organization linked to the PKK, and it has aggressively pursued military actions against them.

Fidan's comments suggest that Turkey is keen to capitalize on Assad's downfall by cementing its influence in the region, with plans to open a Turkish embassy in Damascus by Saturday. Turkey's continued military and diplomatic efforts aim to prevent the creation of a power vacuum that could destabilize Syria further.

The situation in northern Syria remains tense, particularly with Turkey’s military actions against the SDF. As the SNA, backed by Turkey, advances in Kurdish areas, the SDF faces isolation and mounting pressure. The US, which has supported the SDF in the fight against ISIS, now finds itself in a difficult position, balancing its relationship with Turkey and the Kurdish forces.

Turkey has made it clear that it intends to safeguard its national security against all "terrorist organizations" in Syria, including the PKK and ISIS. However, this stance has led to increasing tensions between Turkey and the US, with the SDF caught in the middle.