700 Druze dead: Turkey's silence on militia atrocities sparks outrage

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged the United States to help bring an immediate end to the Syrian conflict during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a source in the Turkish foreign ministry on Saturday.

Fidan expressed Turkey’s support for what he described as Washington’s "constructive role" in Syria and affirmed Ankara’s willingness to work closely with the U.S. to secure a lasting peace.

However, in remarks that have raised eyebrows, Fidan blamed Israel’s recent actions in Syria for aggravating the situation. "Fidan said that Israel's interventions in Syrian territory further exacerbate the problem, and that any attack on Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty also undermines regional peace efforts," the source said.

His comments come just as the U.S. envoy to Turkey confirmed a ceasefire agreement between following days of intense violence in the predominantly Druze region.

Critics point out the irony in Turkey’s statements. Ankara has played a central role in undermining the Assad regime, paving the way for an Islamist-led transitional government in Damascus. The interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has no formal army and relies heavily on Islamist militias—forces that have been implicated in the massacre of at least 700 Druze civilians.

Contrary to Fidan's assertion, Israel’s intervention is seen by many observers as having prevented an even greater humanitarian catastrophe in southern Syria.

The Turkish official’s remarks are being dismissed by some analysts as a continuation of Ankara's standard rhetoric, which often deflects from its own involvement in fueling the instability in Syria.

As international pressure mounts to hold all parties accountable and prevent further atrocities, the role of regional actors like Turkey remains under intense scrutiny.

Fidan expressed Turkey’s support for what he described as Washington’s "constructive role" in Syria and affirmed Ankara’s willingness to work closely with the U.S. to secure a lasting peace.

However, in remarks that have raised eyebrows, Fidan blamed Israel’s recent actions in Syria for aggravating the situation. "Fidan said that Israel's interventions in Syrian territory further exacerbate the problem, and that any attack on Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty also undermines regional peace efforts," the source said.

His comments come just as the U.S. envoy to Turkey confirmed a ceasefire agreement between following days of intense violence in the predominantly Druze region.

Critics point out the irony in Turkey’s statements. Ankara has played a central role in undermining the Assad regime, paving the way for an Islamist-led transitional government in Damascus. The interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has no formal army and relies heavily on Islamist militias—forces that have been implicated in the massacre of at least 700 Druze civilians.

Contrary to Fidan's assertion, Israel’s intervention is seen by many observers as having prevented an even greater humanitarian catastrophe in southern Syria.

The Turkish official’s remarks are being dismissed by some analysts as a continuation of Ankara's standard rhetoric, which often deflects from its own involvement in fueling the instability in Syria.

As international pressure mounts to hold all parties accountable and prevent further atrocities, the role of regional actors like Turkey remains under intense scrutiny.