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UN official warns of continued fighting, foreign fighters and cross‑border incidents in Syria
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Summary
The UN official reported ongoing clashes in northeast and coastal Syria, incidents involving Israeli air strikes and positions, and cross‑border clashes with Lebanon, and urged comprehensive security sector reform and ceasefire measures.
A UN official told the Security Council that armed confrontations continued in parts of Syria after recent transitions, with reports of exchanges between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian National Army (SNA) factions, Turkish airstrikes on SDF areas, Israeli airstrikes in multiple governorates, and short but intense clashes between Syrian and Lebanese forces.
The official said the coastal attacks on March 6 involved former regime officers and the movement of forces from other parts of Syria, including foreign fighters. He warned that the “goal that armed groups have committed to, 1 army with no weapons outside state control, cannot be achieved overnight or by declarations,” and called for comprehensive security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs paired with inclusive politics and vetting processes in line with international human rights obligations.
The official expressed concern about reports that the Israel Defense Forces had built multiple positions in the area of separation, calling that a violation of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement and urging Israel to withdraw and respect Syria’s sovereignty. He also noted reports of Israeli strikes in southwest Syria, Damascus, Homs and the coast.
On the northeast, the official said exchanges of fire between the SDF and SNA continued and that violence elsewhere included sovereign cross-border clashes between Syria and Lebanon after reports of kidnapping and execution of Syrian soldiers and missile fire into Lebanon. He welcomed that Syrian and Lebanese authorities were able to contain and de‑escalate the clashes after two days and supported efforts for stronger dialogue between them.
The UN official singled out the issue of foreign fighters and individuals associated with violations who have become embedded in senior ranks of new armed forces, calling it a key concern and urging the caretaker authorities to address it robustly. The official warned that hundreds of thousands were left without salaries and fearing exclusion after dissolution of the former army and security forces, and that many armed groups remain with their weapons.
The speaker said that achieving disarmament and integration will require resources, inclusive politics and vetting processes, and encouraged the caretaker authorities to seek partnerships, including with the United Nations.
