Turkiye may create two military bases in Syria: Reports
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Turkiye is reportedly planning to establish two military bases in Syria, deploy F-16 fighter jets, and provide military training and equipment to the new Syrian administration under a potential joint defense agreement.
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A US soldier walks past a Turkish armored vehicle during the first joint ground patrol of US and Turkish forces in the so-called "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border with Turkiye, near Tal Abyad, Syria, on September 8, 2019. (AP)
Turkish newspaper Türkiye, citing unnamed Arab sources, reports that the country is considering establishing two military bases in Syria and stationing F-16 fighter jets there.
The report states that Turkiye and Syria are expected to sign a joint defense agreement soon. Under this agreement, Ankara would support Damascus if it encounters an "unexpected threat."
According to the report, the agreement also includes provisions for the Turkish armed forces to train the Syrian army and its pilots. Additionally, Turkiye plans to establish two military bases in Syria, where it will station 50 F-16 fighter jets.
The official authorities have not yet commented on these reports.
The report also mentions that the new Syrian administration has requested drones, radars, and electronic warfare systems from Turkiye to strengthen border security with "Israel". It further states that the first drone delivery could take place soon.
'Israel' builds bases in Syria
On a related note, the Israeli occupation forces, who have invaded several Syrian villages beyond the buffer zone and Mount Hermon, appear to be preparing for a lasting stay in the territories, The Washington Post speculated on Sunday, as earthmoving Israeli vehicles make their way across the Syrian border.
Satellite images reviewed by The Post reveal over half a dozen buildings and vehicles within a fortified Israeli base, with a nearly identical site located five miles to the south. The two bases are connected by newly constructed dirt roads leading to the occupied Golan Heights. Further south, a cleared area—identified by experts as the possible foundation of a third base—is also visible.
Israeli occupation forces now move in and out of the buffer zone, which, under the 1974 ceasefire agreement between the Israeli occupation and Syria, was meant to remain demilitarized. However, the Israeli occupation has declared the agreement void following the collapse of the Assad regime.
The two new construction sites appear to be forward observation bases, resembling those in the Israeli-occupied part of the Golan Heights, according to William Goodhind, an imagery analyst at Contested Ground. The base in Jubata al-Khassab is more developed, while the southern site is still under construction. Goodhind noted that the former offers better visibility for troops, whereas the latter has easier access to the region’s road network—an advantage that a potential third base on the cleared land farther south would also share.
Syria's armed opposition seized control of Damascus on December 8, leading to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia.
Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led the Idlib-based administration formed by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition factions, was appointed interim prime minister.
He later declared the formation of an interim government, which will remain in power until March 2025. In January, Ahmad al-Sharaa was appointed the interim president of Syria, leading the new administration.
