Turkey Supports Rebel Advances in Syria

Syrian refugees in Turkey celebrated the recent gains of rebel groups against President Bashar Assad's government, with many expressing a desire to return home. The Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army have captured several major cities, giving Turkey leverage in negotiations with Assad. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has publicly supported the rebel advance, hoping it will facilitate the return of the approximately 4 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. Conversely, Iran is reportedly increasing its military support for Assad, complicating the situation further. Observers note that while Turkey aims for a political resolution, it is wary of a Kurdish-controlled region along its border. The evolving dynamics in Syria raise potential risks for both Turkey and Iran as they navigate their interests in the conflict.