Turkey Announces Military Cooperation Talks with Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkey’s Ministry of Defense announced Thursday that it is engaging in military cooperation talks with Damascus to bolster security and defense capabilities in Syria.
Speaking to reporters, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk confirmed the ongoing discussions with Syria’s military operations administration, emphasizing a collaborative approach to address security needs.
Reassessing Positions in Idlib
Akturk revealed that Turkey is set to reevaluate its military positions in Idlib based on evolving field developments.
“We will reassess our points in Idlib in accordance with the ground realities,” Akturk stated, adding that a roadmap is being drafted to address security needs identified during the talks.
The statement signals a shift in Turkey’s approach to its military presence in northwestern Syria, where it has maintained positions to counterbalance Syrian government forces and other factions.
Continued Focus on Northeastern Syria
In addition to its cooperation with Damascus, Turkey reiterated its firm stance regarding northeastern Syria. Akturk expressed Turkey’s resolve to protect its national security while addressing shared security concerns with Syria.
“We are working decisively to ensure the safety of both Turkey and Syria,” Akturk said, adding that the new phase of cooperation would focus on actions rather than rhetoric.
Akturk hinted at an alignment between Turkey and Syria’s new administration, stating, “We and the new Syrian administration are in complete agreement.”
Context of the Discussions
The talks mark a significant development in Turkey’s Syria policy, as Ankara has historically supported factions opposing the Syrian government. However, recent geopolitical shifts, including the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the emergence of new leadership in Syria, appear to have prompted a reevaluation of Turkey’s stance.
Turkey’s engagement with Damascus could impact ongoing conflicts in regions like Idlib and northeastern Syria, where Turkish forces and their allied factions have clashed with various groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Implications for Idlib and Beyond
Turkey’s decision to reassess its military positions in Idlib aligns with its broader strategy to consolidate its influence while mitigating risks from extremist groups and other actors. The province has been a flashpoint in the Syrian conflict, hosting a mix of Turkish-backed factions and groups opposing both Damascus and Ankara.
The talks also coincide with Turkey’s attempts to address domestic and international pressures stemming from its military involvement in Syria, as well as its relationship with Russia, a key ally of Damascus.
Future Prospects
While the announcement of military cooperation talks suggests potential thawing of relations between Ankara and Damascus, the details and outcomes of these discussions remain uncertain. The ongoing dynamics in northern Syria, including Turkey’s operations against Kurdish-led forces, add layers of complexity to any potential agreements.
The coming weeks will likely reveal whether these talks result in tangible changes on the ground or remain limited to diplomatic overtures. Regardless, the discussions represent a notable shift in the regional power dynamics shaping Syria’s future.