Taliban applauds Islamist triumph in Syria

(MENAFN) The Taliban government in Afghanistan has praised the coalition of opposition groups that recently overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad, marking a significant shift in the country’s conflict. The offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led to the swift capture of Damascus, the Syrian capital, in early December.

Although HTS is designated a terrorist organization by both the UN and the US, the group has vowed to protect Syria’s religious minorities, including Christians. In a statement issued by Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry, the Taliban congratulated HTS and the Syrian people on their success in removing Assad’s regime. The statement expressed hope that the remaining stages of the revolution would lead to a peaceful, unified Syria without discrimination or retribution.

The Taliban also expressed support for the creation of a "sovereign and service-oriented Islamic government" in Syria, one that would protect the Shia population and aim to restore stability to the war-torn nation.

The Syrian civil war began in 2011 following the Arab Spring, with various international actors backing opposing sides. While Western powers, Turkey, Israel, and some Gulf nations supported anti-Assad forces, Russia and Iran stood behind the Syrian government. A ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2020 had held until the recent offensive.

The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan in 2021 followed the chaotic US withdrawal, but their regime has yet to be recognized internationally.

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