UN Security Council convenes over situation in Syria

The UN Security Council met urgently on Monday to address the unexpected fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, following a swift offensive by Islamist-led rebels. Ambassadors described the situation as unprecedented and stressed the need for cautious action amid the chaos.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassili Nebenzia underscored the Council’s unity on key principles. “The Council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, to ensure the protection of civilians, to ensure that humanitarian aid is coming,” he said. He acknowledged the shock at the speed of events, adding, “Everyone was taken by surprise… including the members of the Council. So we have to wait to see how the situation will evolve.”

Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood echoed the sentiment, calling it “a very fluid situation.” He remarked, “No one expected the Syrian forces to fall like a house of cards. As many folks said in the consultations, the situation is likely to change day to day for the time being.”

Both Nebenzia and Wood highlighted concerns over the humanitarian crisis and affirmed the Council’s focus on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The intention is for the Council to speak with one voice on the situation in Syria,” Wood noted, while Nebenzia stated, “It’s crucial to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people are prioritized.”

The role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group leading the rebel coalition, remains unresolved. Asked whether HTS would be removed from the UN sanctions list, Nebenzia said, “We haven’t touched that subject yet.” Wood added, “The focus right now is on stabilization and addressing the immediate humanitarian fallout.”

Since the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, the Security Council has often been deadlocked, with Russia using its veto power to shield Assad’s government. This time, however, the Council appears united in its approach to a profoundly uncertain future for Syria.