In a written statement to Reuters, the Turkish Defense Minister said Ankara is offering military training and advisory support to strengthen Syria’s defensive capabilities under the country’s new leadership.
Guler argued that Turkey is committed to supporting Syrian territorial integrity and counter-terrorism efforts.
Syria’s security situation remained tens of extremist factions led by Hayat Taharil al-Sham (HTS), overthrew President Bashar al-Assad’s government and ruled Damascus on December 8, 2024.
Guler said Ankara’s military presence is estimated to be a unit of over 20,000 people — not to be reconsidered unless permanent peace is achieved, full border security is guaranteed and safe return of Syrian refugees is guaranteed.
A longtime supporter of Syrian opposition forces, Turkey has established a broad military presence in the country’s northern part of the country following years of cross-border operations against Kurdish extremists it has designated as terrorists.