ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov voiced serious concern on Saturday over escalating violence in Syria’s Aleppo and Idlib provinces during a phone call, according to official statements from both governments. 

The ministers stressed the urgency of coordinating efforts to stabilize the region, highlighting the critical nature of their roles in the Astana peace process.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the situation in Syria with Lavrov. 

Araghchi stressed that regional countries must unite to thwart such threats.

The talks come as armed opposition groups make significant advances on the ground. 

Local media reported that the armed groups had taken control of the towns of Lataminah and Kafr Zita in northern Hama province. Additionally, they announced the capture of Kweires Airport and officers’ housing in eastern Aleppo province, a strategic win in the ongoing conflict.

In northern Syria, opposition forces claimed full control of the Aleppo-Gaziantep road, a vital corridor connecting Aleppo to Turkey. Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly withdrew from Aleppo Airport, leaving it under the control of armed factions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib also voiced his government’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, signaling the broader regional stakes involved in resolving the crisis.

Iran, Russia, and Turkey remain committed to the Astana peace process as guarantors, with calls to bolster collaboration in support of Syria’s government and military against militant factions.

Earlier Saturday, Syrian government forces withdrew from several areas in Aleppo and Idlib provinces following intense clashes with opposition forces and other armed groups, according to multiple reports.

In a statement, the Syrian Army’s General Command described the pullback as a “redeployment” aimed at strengthening defensive lines and preparing for a counteroffensive. 

The army accused Jabhat al-Nusra-affiliated groups of launching a large-scale assault supported by foreign fighters, heavy weaponry, and drones, which forced the redeployment to protect civilians and soldiers.

Key locations reportedly abandoned by government forces include Kafranbel in southern Idlib, parts of Saraqib, and the Shahba area in northern Aleppo. 

Opposition forces claimed control over Ma’arat al-Nu’man and Wadi al-Deif in a campaign they called “Deter Aggression.”

The withdrawals of Syrian Governmental forces mark a significant escalation in northern Syria, with ongoing clashes reported near Saraqib and Ma’arat al-Nu’man as opposition forces advance southward.