ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syrian rebel forces on Friday reached out to Russia and China, allies of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
“We encourage you to support the will of the Syrian people in liberating their country from injustice and tyranny so that together we can establish diplomatic relations based on respect for the rights of peoples, contributing to the prosperity and development of both countries and achieving the mutual interests of all parties,” read the statement released by the rebel coalition led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The rebels said that they would ensure the safety of Russian and Chinese citizens in Syria and protect their diplomatic missions.
“We assure you that the struggle of the Syrian people is a battle for the liberation of their country and land from the criminal Assad regime and not a fight against any foreign country or its citizens. We confirm that your citizens in Syria will enjoy full rights to safety and protection, as will your current diplomatic missions,” the statement said.
The rebels have made dramatic territorial gains since launching an offensive last week on Aleppo, and are now approaching the city of Homs, only 162 kilometres from Damascus.
Besides Iran, Russia and China are the main allies of the Assad regime. Despite being at war with Ukraine, Russia has reaffirmed its continued support for Assad.
“At this moment, our support for the Syrian government continues. We provide military support so that the army can organize the war. We attack the gangs with our warplanes. Many of our experts emphasize that our military intervention should be more extensive,” Andrey Baklanov, head of international affairs for the Federation Council of Russia’s national legislature, told Rudaw's Kamiz Shadadi on Monday.
Beijing expressed its concern over the escalating conflict in northwestern Syria on Tuesday, offering Damacus its help while urging its nationals in the country to exercise caution.
“China is deeply concerned over the situation in northwestern Syria and supports Syria’s effort to uphold national security and stability,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian told Rudaw, adding, “As Syria’s friend, China is willing to make an active effort to avoid further deterioration of the situation in Syria.”
China has no direct involvement in the war.
Russia operates the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, both of which are critical for projecting power in the Middle East. Moscow has used its presence there to assert its role as a major geopolitical player while countering American influence in the region.