Exclusive: Syria’s Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkey’s Erdogan, sources say

AMMAN/BEIRUT/DAMASCUS, Feb 4 (Reuters) – The newly established Syrian leadership, headed by Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is set to engage in high-level discussions with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday. The talks will reportedly focus on forging a joint defense agreement, which could involve the establishment of Turkish airbases in Syria and the training of Syria’s newly formed army, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Turkey’s Role in Post-Assad Syria

Turkey has been a long-time supporter of Syria’s opposition forces against former President Bashar al-Assad, who was recently ousted in a swift military campaign led by Sharaa’s forces. With the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure, Ankara is seeking to solidify its influence in Syria, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. This move could challenge Iran’s traditional role in Syria, create competition with Gulf Arab states, and raise security concerns for Israel.

According to sources, this is the first time concrete details about a potential Turkish-Syrian defense partnership have emerged. If implemented, the agreement would allow Turkey to establish military bases in Syria, operate within Syrian airspace, and play a leading role in training Syria’s new armed forces.

Restructuring Syria’s Military

Following Assad’s removal, Syria’s new leadership has dissolved the existing military and its various rebel factions, initiating efforts to unify and restructure them under a central command. The proposed agreement with Turkey is expected to support this transition, helping the nascent Syrian military develop professional standards and capabilities. However, the sources clarified that the deal is not expected to be finalized during Tuesday’s talks.

New Turkish Airbases in Syria?

The discussions reportedly include plans to establish two Turkish airbases in central Syria’s Badiyah desert region, a strategically significant area. An official from Syria’s presidential office confirmed that the agenda includes Turkey’s military training initiatives for Syrian forces and new areas of defense cooperation, although specific deployment locations were not disclosed.

The Turkish presidency and Syria’s defense ministry have not officially commented on these discussions. However, Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s communications director, stated that Erdogan and Sharaa would deliberate on Syria’s reconstruction, security, and economic stability.

Turkey’s Role in Syrian Air Defense

Another critical aspect of the potential defense pact is Turkey’s role in Syria’s air defense strategy. If implemented, the agreement could permit Turkey to monitor and protect Syria’s airspace, ensuring defensive measures against potential external threats.

Meanwhile, Russia, another key player in Syria’s affairs, is reportedly negotiating the future status of its own military bases in the country. The Kremlin confirmed discussions about its naval facility in Tartous and airbase near Latakia, indicating that multiple global powers are seeking influence over post-Assad Syria’s defense infrastructure.

A Signal to Kurdish Forces?

Ankara’s growing military involvement in Syria is also seen as a direct message to Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG). Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. While Ankara has previously threatened military action against the YPG, it has so far held back, likely awaiting the outcome of diplomatic negotiations.

A Turkish defense ministry official stated that recent meetings between Turkish and Syrian military officials focused on joint counterterrorism efforts, particularly against groups deemed a threat to both nations. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler has also indicated that Turkey remains open to further defense cooperation with Syria’s new administration.

The Road Ahead

As Syria undergoes a historic transformation, its evolving defense policies and foreign alliances will shape the nation’s trajectory. Turkey, seizing this pivotal moment, aims to secure a long-term role in Syria’s security framework. However, the specifics of the defense pact, including the establishment of Turkish military bases and air defense arrangements, remain uncertain.

With negotiations still in progress, the coming months will reveal the extent of Turkey’s involvement in shaping Syria’s military future and the broader implications for regional stability.