TURKEY'S INVOLVEMENT IN SYRIA: KEEPING TABS ON A COMPLEX SITUATION
A Glimpse into the Current State of Play
Senior military commander pays a visit to Syria for crucial discussions at prominent levels
Evolution in Turkey's military actions and diplomatic ties with Syria continues to unfold, with numerous facets at play in the wake of the late 2024 demise of the Assad regime.
Turkey's Military Operations in Northern Syria
Since 2016, Turkey has spearheaded a series of military operations in northern Syria, with the targeted forces being the YPG (People's Protection Units) and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). As of now, there's no concrete sign of Turkish forces pulling back from northern Syria. Instead, Turkey maintains an active presence and engages in continuous military activities in the region. A striking development on the horizon is Turkey's intent to create air bases in Syria, involving the renovation and arming of bases with air-defense systems, like the Hisar system, as well as the possibility of incorporating the Russian S-400 system[4].
Diplomatic Dance
Turkey has been actively flirting with the United States and the new Syrian government in recent times. The U.S. has vowed to enhance cooperation with Turkey regarding Syria, focusing on stabilizing the region and tackling the return of displaced Syrians[2]. Meanwhile, Turkey is enmeshed in discussions with the new Syrian administration over a potential joint defense agreement that might involve offering protective military coverage and aerial cover to Syria[4].
Border Guards and Beyond
The question of a Turkish troop pullback remains unanswered at this stage, with Turkey's military presence in the region being a contentious factor in the area's dynamics. Turkish forces are locked in an ongoing power struggle with Kurdish groups[1][3].
Peeking into the Future
Predicting Turkey's long-term involvement in Syria is tricky, as it will hinge on numerous variables, such as the stability of the new Syrian government and shifts in Turkey's relationships with other regional players. As of the moment, Turkey's military might continues to loom large in Syria, with no definitive timeline for troop withdrawal in sight.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/turkey-says-sends-troops-northern-syria-back-respect-pentagons-request-2021-02-09/[2] https://www.state.gov/turkey-and-us-agree-to-enhance-coordination-on-syria/[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/turkey-says-recvld-first-batch-phosphorite-from-syria-2021-05-13/[4] https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/06/turkeys-offensive-plan-against-syrian-kurds-terrorism-air-base-akse-hawk
War-and-conflicts in Syria continue to be a significant focus of international politics, with Turkey's involvement being a key element in general news reports. Turkey's military operations and diplomatic ties with Syria are subject to constant scrutiny, as the future implications of its presence in the country are uncertain and closely tied to political discussions with various regional players.
