Syria Accuses Israel of Arming Militias to Destabilize Country

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani stated on Tuesday that Israel is supplying weapons and funds to "outlawed armed groups" in the southern province of Sweida, aiming to destabilize Syria. Al-Shaybani made these remarks during a joint press conference in Damascus with the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

Al-Shaybani asserted that "the Israeli occupation continues to attempt to destabilize the Syrian interior" since December 8, 2024, through "systematic bombing of infrastructure, occupation of new Syrian territories on the southern border, and the practice of displacement and arbitrary arrests." He added that the fate of dozens of Syrians arrested by Israel remains unknown.

Regarding Sweida, al-Shaybani specified that Israel supports "outlawed armed militias" in the city, providing them with arms and money to "implement a chaotic agenda in the region." He called on the international community to intervene and halt Israeli practices in Syria, warning that these actions could ignite chaos in the region. He also urged a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement and allowing UNDOF forces to implement it.

Al-Shaybani also called on Israel to seriously engage with US-sponsored negotiations, which have been ongoing for 18 months. He stated that Syria has responsibly participated in these talks to reach an agreement respecting its security and sovereignty.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry had previously announced a US-mediated meeting between Syrian and Israeli delegations in Jordan on August 23, aimed at de-escalation and stability. Discussions focused on mechanisms to stop Israeli "aggression, arrests, and targeting" and reviving negotiations for a security agreement. Syria reiterated its right to rebuild its national army and develop its capabilities without external restrictions.

Since the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, 2024, Israel has reportedly expanded its military presence within Syrian territory, conducting air raids and incursions in the south, while Damascus demands an end to these actions and withdrawal from occupied areas. Syria insists on adhering to the 1974 disengagement agreement and respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.