Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with President Erdogan: Report
Leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (not seen) hold a joint press conference after their meeting in Damascus, Syria on Dec.22, 2024. (AA Photo)
Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to discuss a joint defense pact in Ankara on Tuesday, including the establishment of Turkish airbases in central Syria and training for Syria’s new army, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
This marks the first public indication of a potential long-term military cooperation between Türkiye and Syria’s new government following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Türkiye’s expanding role in Syria’s security
Türkiye, a NATO member, has long supported Syria’s oppositional foces against Bashar al-Assad, who was removed in a rapid offensive led by Sharaa’s forces two months ago. With Iran—a key backer of Assad—losing influence in Syria, Türkiye is positioning itself as a major regional player in Syria’s new era.
The sources, including a Syrian security official, two Damascus-based foreign security sources, and a senior regional intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Türkiye and Syria are preparing to strengthen defense ties to the next level.
The reported defense pact under discussion could see Türkiye:
- Establishing two airbases in Syria’s central desert region (Badiyah)
- Using Syrian airspace for military operations
- Training and restructuring of Syria’s new military
The Syrian government has dissolved Assad’s army and various anti-regime factions, working to merge them into a unified military structure.
While the report mentions that the deal is not expected to be finalized during this meeting, it signals a major shift in the region’s security dynamics under with the new Syrian administration.
Proposed Turkish airbases in Syria
Türkiye’s proposed military bases would be located:
- Palmyra Military Airport
- T4 Airbase (both in Homs province)
A Syrian presidency official said that Sharaa would discuss Turkish training for Syria’s military and new areas of cooperation, though no deployment locations were confirmed.
Neither Türkiye’s presidency nor Syria’s defense ministry responded to requests for comment to Reuters.
Türkiye’s air defense role in Syria
The sources also revealed that Türkiye may take responsibility for defending Syrian airspace under the new agreement.
Meanwhile, Russia, another key military actor in Syria, is in talks with Damascus regarding the future of its naval base in Tartous and airbase near Latakia, the Kremlin confirmed Monday.
In a January interview, Syria’s new Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra stated that Damascus seeks to strengthen regional partnerships to rebuild its military. While he did not specifically mention Türkiye, he acknowledged Syria would welcome cooperation on training, armament, and air defense.
Message to PKK/YPG in northeast Syria
Sources noted that Türkiye is eager to set up military bases in Homs province as a direct signal to PKK/YPG in northeastern Syria.
Türkiye has previously urged the terrorist organization YPG to lay down arms and withdraw from Syria, but negotiations over the group’s future are ongoing between the new Syrian administration and the PKK/YPG to solve the issue without any bloodshed.
A Turkish National Defense Ministry official reportedly confirmed that Turkish and Syrian military delegations recently discussed counterterrorism operations and broader security cooperation.
The official added that talks would continue as the situation evolves.
Türkiye’s military presence in Syria: A new chapter?
In December, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Türkiye was prepared to provide military support if requested by Syria’s new government.
The Ministry of Defense later in January 2025 also suggested that Ankara could reassess its military presence in Syria depending on future conditions.
We continue our contacts and mutual efforts with the Syrian government to strengthen the defense and security capacity of the Syrian army.
The local people, the real owners of the territories occupied by the terrorist organization, have no more tolerance for the terrorist organization. They want the organization occupying their lands to leave their lands immediately. Furthermore, the mission of the Turkish Armed Forces in Syria continues.
Depending on the needs, our troops in Syria may change their deployment or be assigned to different regions.
Turkish MoD
