Islam Times - Tehran Warns Armed Groups' Threat Extends Beyond Syria

Islam Times - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the threat posed by armed groups operating in Syria is not confined to that country and could extend to Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey.

At a joint press conference in Baghdad on Friday with his Iraqi and Syrian counterparts, Fuad Hussein and Bassam Sabbagh, Araghchi emphasized the potential dangers of Syria becoming a haven for terrorists, particularly if conditions allow for the resurgence of groups like Daesh. "If Syria becomes a safe haven for terrorists, this will pose a major threat to the entire region," he cautioned.

Araghchi outlined three key messages from the tripartite meeting in Baghdad: “The first message is our support for the Syrian government and people in their fight against Takfiri terrorist groups.” He expressed confidence that these groups are conducting their operations as part of an American-Zionist conspiracy, stating, “The role of the Zionists in designing this conspiracy should not be overlooked.”

“Iran has consistently supported the Syrian government and people against terrorist groups and will continue to do so with all necessary resources,” Araghchi affirmed.

The top Iranian diplomat reiterated that terrorism knows no boundaries, asserting that efforts to combat it should not be limited by national borders. “To protect our own security, we must support our neighbors in their fight against terrorism,” he said.
He called for a unified approach against terrorism, noting that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Nusra Front have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations.

Syria has been embroiled in foreign-sponsored conflict since March 2011, with the Syrian government accusing Western nations and their regional allies of supporting terrorist factions to destabilize the country.

On November 27, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham armed group launched a significant offensive in Aleppo and Idlib provinces, capturing several areas. Since then, Syrian government forces have engaged in intense clashes to reclaim lost territory.
Iraq's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein condemned the ongoing attacks by terrorists in Syria, who are recognized as terrorist groups by the UN. He stated that Iraq has been a victim of terrorism and will persist in its fight against it. Hussein emphasized that Iraq's security is intertwined with that of Syria and other neighboring countries.

He highlighted the importance of preventing the spread of conflict and terrorism to Iraq, asserting that Iraqi armed forces, along with fighters from the Hashd al-Shaabi resistance movement and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, are fully prepared to defend the nation's territory and populace.

Syrian Army's Commitment to Anti-Terror Operations

Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh stated that the Syrian Army is fulfilling its duties in combating terrorist groups. He noted that actions by these groups have displaced segments of the Syrian population. Sabbagh criticized supporters of terrorist factions for violating UN resolutions and agreements from the Astana peace process.

He warned that dangerous terrorist threats not only jeopardize Syria's security but also endanger regional stability. Sabbagh called for both regional and international cooperation to effectively combat terrorist groups.