Turkish parliament extends military missions in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria

The Turkish Grand National Assembly has approved motions extending the deployment of Turkish troops in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.

Under the motion signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the mandate for the Turkish Armed Forces to take part in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been extended for two more years, starting from October 31, 2025, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The government said Türkiye’s contribution to UNIFIL plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in Lebanon and enhances Ankara’s diplomatic visibility in the region.

The UN Security Council recently prolonged UNIFIL’s mission until the end of 2026, with plans to begin a gradual drawdown the following year.

In a separate motion, parliament also approved extending Türkiye’s authorisation to conduct cross-border operations in Iraq and Syria for another three years. The government cited continuing security threats along Türkiye’s southern borders, including the presence of PKK, YPG/PYD and ISIS elements.

The motion emphasised that terrorist activities and separatist movements in both Iraq and Syria continue to endanger regional stability and Türkiye’s national security. It also reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to support international efforts against ISIS and other extremist groups under relevant UN resolutions.

The new authorisation allows the Turkish Armed Forces to take necessary measures, including cross-border operations, to counter threats and safeguard national interests, with the scope and timing to be determined by the President.

By Aghakazim Guliyev