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UN official warns of continued territorial divisions, foreign military activity and IS threats in Syria
Summary
The UN briefing highlighted areas outside caretaker control, clashes involving SDF and other forces, possible Turkish operations in the northeast, Israeli activity including alleged violations of the 1974 disengagement arrangements, and ongoing IS-related activity.
A senior UN official told the Security Council that significant areas of Syria remain outside the control of the caretaker authorities, and that clashes, foreign military operations and extremist activity are continuing concerns.
The official said the northeast and parts of Aleppo city remain under the control of the SDF and YPG. He reported exchanges of artillery fire between the SDF and the Syrian National Army Forces despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire near Manbij in December, and he noted statements from Turkey indicating a possibility that Turkish military operations "could intensify in the northeast." The official said channels of dialogue have been established between the caretaker authorities and the SDF, which met in Damascus, but that public statements indicated only a "charting of the positions" and "not yet the prospect of imminent agreement."
The official also raised concerns about Israeli military activity, saying he was "deeply concerned by continued Israeli military presence and activity, including beyond the area of separation in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement," and called for restrictions on UNDOF's freedom of movement imposed by the IDF to be lifted. The statement said reports of Israeli actions included use of live ammunition against civilians, displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
The official described sustained IS-related activity as a "significant concern," noting that US-led coalition operations, including targeted strikes by US and French forces, continued.
The briefing urged development of dialogue channels and for all parties to avoid military confrontation. No specific Council measures were announced in the presentation.
