Syria’s interim government has requested military support from Turkey to enhance its defense capabilities and strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, Turkish Defense Ministry officials said on Wednesday, Deutsche Welle’s Turkish edition reported.
According to ministry sources speaking at a press briefing in Ankara, Damascus asked for training, advisory support and technical assistance as part of efforts to reinforce its national defense infrastructure and combat groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“We are working in close cooperation with Syria’s new government,” the ministry said. “Following an official request, efforts are underway to provide military training, technical support and consultancy in line with the goal of strengthening Syria’s defense capacity. Turkey’s priority remains supporting Syria’s political unity, territorial integrity and long-term stability.”
Turkey had previously supported armed opposition factions against Bashar al-Assad. Since the December 2024 ousting of al-Assad and the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Ankara has taken a more engaged approach, aligning with regional powers to stabilize the country.
Asked about the prospect of a formal defense pact between Ankara and Damascus, US Ambassador to Turkey and Syria Envoy Tom Barrack told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview on Monday that Washington has “no position” on such an arrangement.
“It’s not in the U.S.’s business or interest to tell any of the surrounding nations with each other what to do,” Barrack was quoted as saying by AP. His remarks came after Israel’s recent airstrikes on Syria triggered renewed diplomacy and a US-brokered ceasefire backed by Turkey and Jordan.
Defense officials urge SDF compliance with March 10 agreement
Turkish Defense Ministry sources also addressed questions about the stalled implementation of the March 10 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s interim government. The deal, signed by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and President al-Sharaa, outlines the full integration of SDF units and Kurdish-led administrative structures into the Syrian national army and government institutions.
“The SDF must show concrete compliance with the agreement,” the Turkish officials said. “We are closely monitoring developments in coordination with the relevant institutions.”
The Turkish government views the SDF and its core militia, the YPG (People’s Protection Units), as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey and its Western allies designate as a terrorist organization.