Trump warns against US involvement as Syrian conflict escalates

The incoming US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the unfolding crisis in Syria, asserting that opposition fighters have made significant gains in a "highly coordinated offensive."

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Trump claimed these fighters have seized control of multiple cities and are now positioned on the outskirts of Damascus, apparently gearing up for a decisive move to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Trump criticised Russia's inability to counter the offensive, citing its preoccupation with the war in Ukraine and what he described as "over 600,000 soldiers" lost in that conflict. "Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine... seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years," Trump wrote.

Reflecting on the origins of the current chaos, Trump pointed to former President Barack Obama's failure to enforce the so-called "red line" against chemical weapons use in Syria. He argued that this inaction led to "all hell breaking out" and opened the door for Russia's intervention in the conflict.

Trump suggested that Russia's waning influence in Syria, along with Assad's potential downfall, might ultimately serve Russia's interests, as the country had little to gain from its involvement in Syria beyond humiliating Obama.

Concluding his post, Trump called for the United States to avoid any engagement in the Syrian conflict. "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend," he wrote, emphasising that the US should "LET IT PLAY OUT" and stay out of the fight. "THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!"

The comments underscore Trump's long-standing opposition to US military entanglements abroad, particularly in regions where he believes America has no clear strategic interest.