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Russia Bolsters Military Presence in Strategic Northeast Syria Town

Russian forces near Ain Issa in the countryside of Raqqa last week. Asharq Al-Awsat
Russian forces near Ain Issa in the countryside of Raqqa last week. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Russia Bolsters Military Presence in Strategic Northeast Syria Town

Russian forces near Ain Issa in the countryside of Raqqa last week. Asharq Al-Awsat
Russian forces near Ain Issa in the countryside of Raqqa last week. Asharq Al-Awsat

Moscow announced Monday the deployment of more military police personnel to Ain Issa, the strategic town in the countryside of Syria’s Raqqa province in the northeast, where fighters backed by Turkey have clashed with Kurdish forces near a highway patrolled by Russian and Turkish troops.

The move came on the eve of the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Sochi, where he is expected to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the war in Syria.

A Turkish Defense Ministry source said Ankara would emphasize the withdrawal of Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPC) from the area.

“Those units must definitely leave Ain Issa,” said the source, requesting anonymity.

The YPG are the Kurdish component of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which captured Ain Issa in mid-2015 after fierce clashes with ISIS.

The town is an important junction linking Aleppo and Hasakah, via the international M4 highway. Ain Issa is also crucial for its roads to Tal Abyad city on the Syria-Turkey border and Raqqa city.

Meanwhile, a member of the National Peace Committee in Syria Omar Rahmoun told Sputnik Monday that during a meeting in Ain Issa, the SDF forces pledged to hand over the city to Russia and the Syrian regime in the next few days.

He said this decision, which came following several days of consultations, has prevented an attack on the town by Turkish forces.

“SDF representatives informed Russia that they are ready to fully withdraw from Ain Issa and that such moves would start in the coming hours,” Rahmoun said.

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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.