Syria warns of armed militias operating in Lebanon
Syria’s foreign minister has voiced concern over “armed militias operating outside the state’s sovereignty in Lebanon,” calling for stability and economic cooperation between the two neighbours. His remarks came as the EU fully restored its cooperation agreement with the new Syrian administration.
Syria has expressed alarm over the presence of unauthorised armed groups operating within Lebanese territory beyond state control. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated on Monday: “We view Lebanon as a partner and neighbor to Syria, and we hope to achieve stability there along with economic cooperation between the two countries.” He made the remarks during a joint news conference with EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica on the sidelines of the EU–Syria Partnership Forum in Brussels.
Institutional cooperation with Europe
Shaibani said Damascus is seeking to establish long-term institutional cooperation with European partners, moving beyond purely humanitarian assistance toward a broader partnership driven by shared interests. He stressed that Syria is engaging with European countries “with the utmost seriousness.” The EU Council simultaneously adopted a decision terminating the partial suspension of its Cooperation Agreement with Syria, repealing a 2011 measure imposed over human rights violations under the ousted Assad regime.
Post-Assad transition
In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January 2025. For Türkiye, which shares a long border with Syria and has hosted millions of Syrian refugees, stability in both Syria and Lebanon is a direct national security interest. Ankara has consistently supported a unified, sovereign Lebanon free from armed militias, while also backing Syria’s political transition and territorial integrity.
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