Türkiye and Israel hold deconfliction talks in Azerbaijan
A view of the T4 Tiyas Airbase, located in Homs Governorate in Syria, which has been targeted by Israeli airstrikes, on April 4, 2025. Situated west of Palmyra (Tadmur) in the Homs region, the T4 Airbase was used for years by the Baath regime before its collapse. ( Stringer - Anadolu Agency )
Turkish and Israeli officials held a technical meeting in Azerbaijan to discuss the establishment of a deconfliction mechanism in Syria, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD) confirmed during a weekly press briefing.
According to MoD sources, “The first technical meeting was held yesterday (April 9) in Azerbaijan to establish a deconfliction mechanism to avoid unwanted incidents in Syria. Efforts will continue toward establishing this mechanism.”
Türkiye reaffirms commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and stability
On questions about Israel’s recent airstrikes in Syria, the sources reiterated Ankara’s stance, stating that “based on the requests of Syria’s new government, Türkiye is supporting the enhancement of its defense capabilities and the fight against all terrorist organizations, particularly Daesh.”
Evaluations are underway regarding the establishment of training-based military installations. “Türkiye’s only goal is to contribute to the territorial integrity, stability, and security of Syria,” the ministry said, adding that all operations are carried out in line with bilateral agreements and international law, without targeting third parties.
The ministry sources emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces contribute to stability and peace wherever they are deployed, posing no threat to those who do not threaten them. In contrast, they noted, Israel follows a confrontational foreign policy and falsely accuses Türkiye of manipulating international opinion.
YPG withdrawal from Syrian infrastructure under scrutiny
Addressing reports of the terrorist organization YPG’s withdrawal from the Aleppo and Tishrin Dam, the ministry sources stated that “the implications of the agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government are being closely monitored, especially the reported transfer of control of the dams to the Syrian state.”
Concerns over anti-Türkiye militant activity in Greek Cyprus
Regarding recent claims of a new terrorist group being formed in Greek Cyprus against Türkiye, the Turkish MoD highlighted the significance of recent commemorations related to the EOKA terrorist organization, calling them a sign of rising anti-Turkish sentiment.
“Anti-Türkiye sentiment in Greece and southern Cyprus is escalating,” the ministry stated.
It warned that any violent act targeting the Turkish Cypriot community or the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would be met with a response, adding that “any group attempting such actions would share the fate of its predecessors.”
Eastern Mediterranean tensions over subsea cable project
The ministry responded to reports about a Navtex declaration by Greece, Israel and Greek Cyprus regarding plans to lay undersea cables through the Eastern Mediterranean.
The ministry reiterated that “Türkiye, as the country with the longest coastline in the region, will not accept any provocations or unilateral initiatives bypassing its consent and that of the TRNC.”
The ministry added that “projects lacking feasibility, funding, and legitimacy that ignore Türkiye’s rights will not be allowed to proceed” and affirmed Ankara’s commitment to protecting the rights and security of Turkish Cypriots.
