Turkey Denies Reports of Establishing Military Bases in Syria
A senior Turkish defense official dismissed reports of Ankara’s plans for F-16 deployments and military bases in Syria, calling them premature.
Feb. 7, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkey has officially denied reports claiming that it intends to establish two new military bases in Syria, stating that it is instead working on a "roadmap" to address the security and defense needs of Syria’s new administration.
According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a senior Turkish defense official, responding to reports about Ankara’s alleged plans to deploy F-16 fighter jets and build permanent military installations in Syria, urged caution in interpreting such claims. “It is far too early to discuss these matters,” the official said during a weekly defense ministry briefing on Thursday.
Turkey’s Priorities in Syria
The Turkish Defense Ministry reaffirmed that Ankara's top priority remains preserving Syria’s territorial integrity, ensuring regional stability, and preventing the resurgence of terrorist elements, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG)—the leading force within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey views as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) which is viewed by EU, US, and Turkey as a terrorist group.
The official further stressed that Turkey is committed to supporting the new Syrian government in restoring stability and normalcy across the country. He added that the Turkish military is prepared to provide assistance within the framework of its defined role.
“As per the requests of Syria’s new administration, we are working on a joint roadmap to strengthen the Syrian army and implement concrete steps in this regard,” the official stated.
Confirming the progress of bilateral discussions, he revealed that last week, a Turkish defense delegation met with Syrian officials, and both sides agreed on the need to safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity, enhance security, and combat terrorism.
Conflicting Reports on Turkish Military Presence
Despite Ankara’s official denial, Bloomberg News cited Turkish officials who reportedly confirmed that Turkey is evaluating the possibility of establishing military bases in Syria.
The report suggested that Ankara’s plan includes supplying weapons and offering military training to the Syrian armed forces.
Read More: Al-Sharaa, Erdogan Discuss Establishing New Turkish Military Bases in Central Syria
This follows a series of reports published before Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday.
Some of these reports claimed that Turkey was preparing to establish two military airbases in central Syria, deploying 50 F-16 fighter jets under a defense cooperation agreement. The agreement would purportedly allow Turkey to temporarily serve as Syria’s aerial defense force until its air force is rebuilt.
Additionally, unconfirmed reports indicated that Turkey was considering deploying integrated radar systems and electronic warfare technology to counter air threats and enhance battlefield capabilities along its shared border with Syria.
SDF and the negotiation with Damascus
Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey of attempting to derail ongoing negotiations with the new Syrian administration in Damascus.
“The talks with Damascus are progressing well, and they are essential for achieving peace and stability,” SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami stated on Thursday. “However, there are malicious actors who oppose this dialogue and are working to sabotage it.”.
The SDF official also emphasized that integrating the SDF troops into the Syrian army would strengthen Syria both militarily and socially, playing a crucial role in shaping the country's future political and security landscape.
Uncertain Future of US Troops in Syria
Regarding speculation over a potential U.S. withdrawal from Syria, SDF spokesperson dismissed unverified reports, stating that SDF leadership remains in regular contact with American military officials and has received no official confirmation of any withdrawal plans.
“Reports that do not originate from credible institutions are nothing but misinformation,” he said, adding that Washington remains committed to countering ISIS in partnership with the SDF.
As diplomatic discussions between Ankara and Damascus unfold, the broader implications of Turkey’s involvement in Syria extend beyond military considerations.
The evolving political landscape in Syria, particularly the integration of SDF forces, the restructuring of state institutions, and the balance of power among regional and international players, will shape the country’s future.
While Turkey insists on safeguarding its security interests, Damascus seeks to reassert full sovereignty over its territory. The ongoing negotiations will not only determine the extent of Turkish influence but also set a precedent for Syria’s post-war reconstruction and long-term stability. With multiple stakeholders vying for strategic gains, the resolution of these complex issues remains uncertain, leaving Syria’s future at a critical crossroads.