Syria’s armed opposition forces have made a significant pledge to safeguard United Nations offices and international organizations within the country, emphasizing their role as institutions that serve the people. The rebel coalition, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), issued a statement on Saturday reiterating their commitment to protecting these entities on Syrian soil.
The groups emphasized that they view government institutions, international organizations, and United Nations offices as vital entities that cater to the needs of the population. They expressed a sense of duty to ensure the safety and continuity of their operations, highlighting their responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Syrian people.
Furthermore, the armed opposition forces underscored their dedication to upholding the safety of these organizations and preventing any actions that could impede their ability to fulfill their developmental and service-oriented objectives. The statement specifically mentioned regions such as Aleppo, Hama, Homs, southern Syria, and other Syrian cities as areas where they are committed to maintaining a conducive environment for these entities to operate.
These assurances come amidst a recent 10-day lightning offensive by the armed opposition groups, resulting in the capture of several cities in southern and northern Syria. The swift and unexpected nature of this offensive has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential impact on the ongoing conflict aimed at challenging the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
