Baghdad: The Turkish Defense Ministry has announced its commitment to bolster Syria's defense capabilities in the ongoing fight against terrorism, should Syria request such assistance.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkish Defense Ministry Spokesman Colonel Zeki Aktrk emphasized during a press briefing in Ankara that recent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, following attacks in southern Syria, are a clear provocation that threatens peace and stability in the region. Aktrk highlighted the importance of not squandering what he described as a historic opportunity for Syria to achieve peace and reintegrate into the international community.

He underscored the necessity of supporting efforts to establish lasting peace and security in Syria, while criticizing the Israeli military actions as violations of international law that endanger regional stability. Aktrk accused Israel of fostering instability and chaos, urging an immediate halt to its aggressive actions that risk severe regional consequences.

The Turkish Defense Ministry also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a just and enduring peace process and ensuring humanitarian aid access. Aktrk reiterated Turkey's support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.

He assured that Turkish forces in Syria were unaffected by the Israeli strikes and reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to combating terrorism in northern Syria to safeguard its national security. Aktrk stressed Turkey's objective of a stable, unified Syria, free from terrorist threats, and voiced support for peaceful processes respecting Syria's territorial integrity.

Aktrk concluded by asserting that Israeli airstrikes threaten regional peace and urged Israel to cease actions that violate international law and provoke further conflict.