Turkish Ministry of National Defense officials said on 23/7 that the Syrian interim government has requested military support and assistance in dealing with armed groups that Damascus considers terrorists, including the Islamic State (IS).
According to the officials, Turkey is working to provide training, advising, and technical support to strengthen Syria's defense capabilities. Ankara has long expressed its willingness to assist Damascus in this area.
Syrian officials have not commented on the information.
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Syrian soldiers in the town of Sahnaya on 30/4. Photo: AP |
Syrian soldiers in the town of Sahnaya on 30/4. Photo: AP
Tensions escalated in southern Syria last week when fierce clashes erupted between Bedouin tribes and Druze militias in Sweida province. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) then launched airstrikes on government military convoys in Sweida and the Syrian Ministry of National Defense headquarters, claiming it was acting to protect the Druze community.
US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced a US-brokered ceasefire on 19/7, allowing Syrian government forces to enter Sweida to end the fighting between the Druze and Bedouin.
Turkey strongly supports the Syrian interim government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. It is also seeking a defense agreement with Syria, reportedly including a provision allowing Ankara to establish military bases on its neighbor's territory.
Ankara also supports the agreement reached between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to incorporate the group into the army. However, the implementation of the agreement has stalled due to disagreements over whether the SDF will be an independent unit or completely disbanded.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Kurdish militias and other armed groups in Syria on 22/7 "not to exploit the tensions to demand autonomy." He declared that any attempt to divide Syria would be considered a direct threat to Turkey's national security and could lead to military intervention.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Euro News)
