Reuters: Syrian-Turkish talks on defence pact could shape future of Middle East security

Syria's transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on February 4 to discuss a potential joint defence pact, sources have revealed. 

According to four sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters in its exclusive material, the agreement could involve establishing Turkish airbases in central Syria and providing training for Syria’s new army, per Caliber.Az.

Türkiye, a NATO member, has long supported Syria’s opposition to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in late December by a swift offensive led by Sharaa’s forces. Ankara is positioning itself as a key player in Syria’s post-Assad future, potentially filling a void left by Iran, Assad’s regional backer. 

This meeting marks the first time details of a potential defence arrangement between Syria’s new leadership and Türkiye have been disclosed, including the possibility of Turkish airbases in Syria. Sources indicate that the deal could allow Türkiye to use Syrian airspace for military purposes and take a leading role in training Syria’s new military.

Syria’s new leadership has disbanded the previous army and various rebel factions, focusing on integrating them into a restructured military command.

While the pact is not expected to be finalized on February 4, discussions will likely centre on the establishment of two Turkish military bases in Syria’s central desert region, known as the Badiyah. A Syrian presidential official confirmed that Sharaa would also discuss Türkiye’s training of Syria’s new army and possible new areas of cooperation with Erdogan.

Officials from both the Turkish presidency and Syria’s defence ministry have not yet commented on the specifics of the deal. However, Fahrettin Altun, communications director for the Turkish presidency, stated that Erdogan and Sharaa would discuss Syria’s latest developments and potential joint efforts to rebuild the country’s economy and secure stability.

A Turkish defence official familiar with the talks mentioned that military delegations from both sides had exchanged views last week on defence matters, particularly in regard to countering terrorist organizations threatening both countries. Türkiye has long targeted the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), viewing them as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group involved in an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

While the Turkish government has previously indicated a potential military operation against the YPG, ongoing talks with Syria are focused on finding a resolution for the Kurdish forces. Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said in December that Türkiye would provide support to Syria’s new administration if requested, with the possibility of reevaluating the presence of Turkish forces in Syria as needed.

The discussions also include the potential for air defence cooperation, with the Palmyra military airport and the T4 base in Homs mentioned as possible sites for new Turkish bases. These efforts could serve as a strategic message to Kurdish groups in northeast Syria, further shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova