UN warns of looming regional war amid Syria tensions

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned on Friday of the risk of a wider regional war “drawing the Syrian people into its crosshairs,” calling for de-escalation on all fronts.

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the Middle East, Pedersen said the region is witnessing a “very dangerous moment,” particularly after recent events in Lebanon.

He cited reports of an attack on a vehicle at Damascus International Airport and an earlier attack on a Syrian military site “not acknowledged by Israel but widely attributed to it,” resulting in one of the highest casualties in months.

Pedersen reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for “maximum restraint” as he stressed the urgent need for de-escalation across the region, including a ceasefire in Gaza, and a nationwide ceasefire in Syria as called for in Security Council Resolution 2254.

Pedersen also highlighted the importance of a cooperative approach to combating terrorist groups. He expressed concern about Syrian refugees and displaced persons, calling for their protection. He noted that voluntary returns remain low, while people continue to leave Syria.