Erdogan, Sharaa Review Syria Developments Amid Aleppo clashes

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spoken by phone with Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa, focusing on the evolving situation in Syria and efforts to reinforce national stability, according to a statement from the Syrian Presidency.

The statement said the two leaders exchanged views on recent developments across the country and ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring security and order.

President al-Sharaa reiterated Syria’s core national principles and underlined the importance of reasserting full state authority over all Syrian territory. He noted that the government’s immediate priorities include safeguarding civilians, securing areas surrounding Aleppo, and dismantling illegal armed groups that are hindering reconstruction efforts.

President Erdoğan, the statement added, voiced Türkiye’s support for measures intended to strengthen security and stability in Syria.

The call comes amid worsening security conditions in Aleppo. Syrian authorities report that significant numbers of PKK/YPG militants have either surrendered or withdrawn from disputed neighbourhoods.

Officials say clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts have sparked one of the largest displacement crises Aleppo has faced in recent years, with nearly 142,000 residents evacuated under an emergency response plan.

Temporary shelters have been established within Aleppo and nearby areas. Authorities have accused the armed group of targeting residential zones and humanitarian corridors with shelling.

Syrian officials stated that internal security forces are preparing to stabilise the affected districts and facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians.

These developments come despite a prior agreement aimed at integrating YPG elements into state institutions—an arrangement Damascus says has yet to be implemented.