Hamish Falconer, Britain’s Middle East minister, will travel to the region this weekend to address the growing Syria conflict, which has sparked fears of another humanitarian crisis.
Falconer, Undersecretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is set to visit an undisclosed location to explore ways to de-escalate the conflict after extremist groups took control of Aleppo.
Concerns have increased as reports suggest Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to support President Bashar Al Assad’s regime, with Russian airstrikes targeting rebel-held areas.
“The situation is evolving rapidly, and the path forward is uncertain,” Falconer stated to the UK Parliament. He highlighted the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure aid delivery. “This is particularly alarming if more large-scale attacks by the regime or Russia target civilians.”
He urged all parties, including Iran and Russia, to follow international humanitarian law, avoid civilian casualties, and allow full humanitarian access.
The recent unrest began when Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, a group formerly tied to Al Qaeda, joined other opposition forces to launch an offensive on Aleppo. By Sunday, the city—Syria’s second-largest—had fallen, marking the first major challenge to Assad’s regime since 2016.
Iran is reportedly coordinating with Syria and Russia to counter the rebel offensive, with progress slowing as rebels face Syrian army defenses near Hama.
Falconer confirmed that Britain is engaging with regional allies and has spoken to Turkey about concerns over civilian impacts and the potential for further escalation. “I will visit the region this weekend to meet with partners and assess the latest developments,” he said.
Falconer plans to meet the White Helmets, a UK-funded Syrian organization operating in the northwest, to understand how they and other aid groups are responding to the crisis and supporting those in need.
Although a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah holds, there is concern that either side could become involved in Syria if they perceive threats to their security. However, Hezbollah, which has suffered significant losses in Lebanon’s conflict, appears unlikely to commit fighters in this instance.
A Hezbollah representative stated that the Syrian army does not require its forces to defend government-held areas.
The resurgence of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, which has an estimated 30,000 fighters, has raised fears of increased recruitment and global terrorism, echoing the devastation caused by ISIS a decade ago.
Priti Patel, Britain’s shadow foreign secretary, voiced concerns in Parliament, stating, “Instability fuels extremism not only abroad but also at home.” She pressed Falconer on the risks posed by extremists in Syria and the thousands detained in northern Syrian prisons.
Falconer responded, “We are closely monitoring terrorist threats from Syria, particularly Daesh. While they have been weakened, they remain a concern.”
