UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warns Holeb (Aleppo) escalation threatens regional stability, calls for renewed peace talks

NEW YORK — Amid escalating violence in Holeb (Aleppo) in northwestern Syria, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has expressed grave concerns about the conflict’s severe impact on regional and international stability.

Pedersen described the situation as a “collective failure” to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a ceasefire and a political solution to the Syrian conflict. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure.

The Special Envoy pledged to intensify efforts to protect civilians and de-escalate hostilities. He called on all Syrian factions and international stakeholders to engage in meaningful negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis in line with international resolutions. Pedersen also reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating comprehensive peace talks to end the protracted conflict in Syria.

Recent events in Holeb have seen a dramatic escalation, as Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-proxy Syrian National Army (SNA) launched an offensive on the city. Reports indicate a significant retreat of Syrian regime forces and Iranian militias in the area, with little to no apparent Russian military support.

The UN’s warning underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the ongoing crisis, which continues to claim civilian lives and destabilize the region.