The Syrian government has requested support from Turkey to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and fight terrorist organizations, particularly Islamic State, the Defense Ministry said.
Following the escalation of clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups in southern Syria and Israel's strike on the capital Damascus in mid-July, Turkey has told its southern neighbor it is ready to provide support if asked.
On July 23, the ministry announced Damascus had made such an official request. “In line with this request, we are continuing our efforts to provide training, consultancy, and technical support aimed at enhancing Syria's defense capabilities. Turkey's primary goal is to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity and to take the lead in efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region,” a Defense Ministry source said.
Following the establishment of the Sharaa administration, Israel launched attacks that destroyed both the Syrian army's air bases and air defense systems. For this reason, Turkey's priority will be to provide air defense system support.
