Turkey Continues Military Support for Syrian Government Amidst Ongoing Tensions
Defense Minister Yasar Guler confirms military training and advisory roles in Syria, with no immediate plans for troop withdrawal.
Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler has stated that Turkey is actively providing training and advisory support to the Syrian Armed Forces while enhancing the country's defensive capabilities.
In a written response to inquiries, Guler emphasized that Turkey has no plans to withdraw its military personnel, numbering over 20,000, currently stationed in Syria.
Guler underlined Turkey's overarching priorities in Syria, which include safeguarding its territorial integrity and combating terrorism.
He indicated that Turkey aligns with the Syrian government in its efforts to restore stability and safety within the country.
"We have begun offering training and advisory services to the Syrian Armed Forces, while taking steps to bolster Syria's defense capacity," Guler remarked, without disclosing specific details regarding these initiatives.
The Minister, who has served in this position for two years, asserted that discussions about the potential withdrawal or redeployment of Turkish forces are premature.
He stated, "This situation can only be reassessed once peace and stability return to Syria, the threat of terrorism is completely eradicated, our borders are fully secure, and displaced persons can return safely."
Turkey has been a key ally of the new Syrian government following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December of last year.
Throughout the Syrian conflict, Turkey has remained one of the primary destinations for Syrian refugees, pledging to support the reconstruction of Syria and facilitate the return of the millions of displaced individuals.
In recent months, Turkey also played a significant role in efforts to lift American and European sanctions imposed on Syria.
The Turkish military is deployed extensively across northern Syria, having established numerous bases following various cross-border operations aimed at combating Kurdish militants, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.
Additionally, Guler mentioned ongoing discussions between Turkey and Israel aimed at conflict resolution to prevent military confrontations in Syria.
He characterized these talks as technical-level meetings designed to create a mechanism for dispute resolution to avert unwanted incidents or direct conflict, as well as establish a framework for communication and coordination.
The increasing influence of Turkey in Damascus has raised concerns among Israeli officials, potentially threatening to ignite confrontations between the two regional powers in Syria, as observed by regional analysts.
Turkey, a NATO member, has accused Israel of hindering peace and reconstruction efforts in Syria through its military operations in the region over recent months.
In a written response to inquiries, Guler emphasized that Turkey has no plans to withdraw its military personnel, numbering over 20,000, currently stationed in Syria.
Guler underlined Turkey's overarching priorities in Syria, which include safeguarding its territorial integrity and combating terrorism.
He indicated that Turkey aligns with the Syrian government in its efforts to restore stability and safety within the country.
"We have begun offering training and advisory services to the Syrian Armed Forces, while taking steps to bolster Syria's defense capacity," Guler remarked, without disclosing specific details regarding these initiatives.
The Minister, who has served in this position for two years, asserted that discussions about the potential withdrawal or redeployment of Turkish forces are premature.
He stated, "This situation can only be reassessed once peace and stability return to Syria, the threat of terrorism is completely eradicated, our borders are fully secure, and displaced persons can return safely."
Turkey has been a key ally of the new Syrian government following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December of last year.
Throughout the Syrian conflict, Turkey has remained one of the primary destinations for Syrian refugees, pledging to support the reconstruction of Syria and facilitate the return of the millions of displaced individuals.
In recent months, Turkey also played a significant role in efforts to lift American and European sanctions imposed on Syria.
The Turkish military is deployed extensively across northern Syria, having established numerous bases following various cross-border operations aimed at combating Kurdish militants, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.
Additionally, Guler mentioned ongoing discussions between Turkey and Israel aimed at conflict resolution to prevent military confrontations in Syria.
He characterized these talks as technical-level meetings designed to create a mechanism for dispute resolution to avert unwanted incidents or direct conflict, as well as establish a framework for communication and coordination.
The increasing influence of Turkey in Damascus has raised concerns among Israeli officials, potentially threatening to ignite confrontations between the two regional powers in Syria, as observed by regional analysts.
Turkey, a NATO member, has accused Israel of hindering peace and reconstruction efforts in Syria through its military operations in the region over recent months.