Trump calls for US non-involvement as militants advance in Syria
US President-elect Trump reiterated his non-interventionist stance, urging the US to stay out of the unfolding situation in Syria.
On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, addressing the deteriorating situation in Syria as terrorist groups continued their advance.
Trump reiterated his non-interventionist stance, urging the US to stay out of the situation.
"Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad," Trump wrote.
Interlinked interests
The so-called "opposition" referenced in Trump's post includes Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed group formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, with ties to al-Qaeda.
These groups have received indirect support from Turkey, a key regional player whose involvement in Syria has long aimed at undermining the Assad government.
Turkey's support for these groups is widely seen as part of its strategy to counter Kurdish forces and influence the outcome of the war on Syria.
Read more: 'Target is Damascus,' Erdogan hopes 'smooth march' on Syria's capital
Meanwhile, "Israel", though not directly involved in supporting HTS or similar groups, benefits strategically from their advances.
The destabilization of Syria and the weakening of its government align with "Israel's" broader goal of suppressing anti-zionist elements across the region.
Trump's perspective
Trump's post pointed out the difficulties faced by Russia in providing assistance to the Syrian Arab Army.
"Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria," Trump claimed.
The former president also criticized Barack Obama's handling of the war on Syria, referencing the infamous "red line" ultimatum regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons use.
Read more: Russia condemns Western claims on Syria's chemical weapons
Trump suggested that Obama's inaction allowed the war to spiral, creating a power vacuum later filled by Russia and terrorist factions.
However, Trump made clear his belief that the United States should not be drawn into this conflict. "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!"
🚨 BREAKING: PRESIDENT TRUMP WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH SYRIA pic.twitter.com/lG23VhmkJs
— Samirah (@SameeraKhan) December 7, 2024