Sources familiar with the issues cited on the Middle Eastern Eye website say construction efforts to turn the facility into a permanent Turkish military presence are moving rapidly, demonstrating Ankara’s intention to settle deep within the Arab state following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in early December last year.
“Turkey has begun to begin managing the T4 Air Force Base near Palmyra in central Syria. A HISAR-type air defense system will be deployed on the T4 and air covering will be provided for the base.
“When the system is installed, the base will be rebuilt and expanded with the required facilities. Ankara is also planning to deploy surveillance and armed drones, including expanded strike capabilities,” the source clarified.
They went on to say that the base will be said to help Turkey integrate aviation forces throughout the region, and that “there are still sleepers in Syria’s central desert region” and “supporting efforts to fight Dash.”
The report says Ankara will ultimately be equipped with a complex defensive system with short, medium long-range capabilities against jets, drones and missiles.
Another source argued that “Turkey’s air defense systems and the presence of drones is likely to prevent Israel from firing air strikes in the region.” Reports say Israel is displeased with such a plan.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the report.
MP/PressTV