Newsletters
Türkiye’s Center for Combating Disinformation on Saturday firmly denied claims that the country is targeting the Druze community in Syria, labeling the accusations a deliberate campaign to distort Ankara’s foreign policy.
In a statement, the center said certain media outlets had been spreading “provocative and misleading content” suggesting that Türkiye is targeting Druze groups in southern Syria.
“These unfounded allegations are part of a clear disinformation campaign aimed at distorting Türkiye’s foreign policy, which is based on humanitarian principles,” the statement read.
Türkiye, it added, upholds a foreign policy grounded in “respect for human rights and international law,” while prioritizing regional peace, stability, and Syria’s political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“Türkiye’s approach does not allow for ethnic, religious, or sectarian discrimination. The primary concern is the protection of human dignity and fundamental rights,” the statement emphasized..
The center cited previous remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, underscoring that Türkiye’s policy on Syria is not based on sectarian or ethnic identity, but rather on humanitarian needs. This principle guides all of Türkiye’s humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts, the statement said.
It also highlighted that since the onset of the Syrian crisis, Türkiye has hosted millions of displaced Syrians without discrimination, implementing aid programs inclusive of all communities.
"No Syrian community has been excluded, and everyone, regardless of their sectarian or ethnic identity, has been treated equally," the statement said.
“Yet it is clearly evident that certain circles making these baseless accusations against Türkiye aim to stir up turmoil between religious groups within the region's sensitive demographic structure," it added.
The statement came hours after the Syrian presidency declared a comprehensive cease-fire in the southern province of Sweida following days of intense clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze militias.
The violence, which erupted on July 13, escalated after Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military infrastructure in Damascus. Israel said its strikes were aimed at protecting the Druze population.
Türkiye denounced these developments as part of a broader geopolitical propaganda campaign.
“Türkiye continues to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring regional peace, stability, and social cohesion with determination. A firm stance is being taken against divisive activities and sectarian conflict scenarios that threaten Syria's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and such initiatives are never given any ground,” the statement said.
The disinformation center urged the public to remain cautious against unverified and distorted content produced with “tendentious” motives.
It reaffirmed that the Turkish government would continue to keep national and international audiences accurately informed based on facts.
In December, Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, effectively ending the decades-long rule of the Baath Party, which had held power since 1963.
A transitional government was formed in January under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, marking a new chapter in Syria’s political landscape.
1 min read
10 min read
