Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin Visits Damascus Amid Shifting U.S. Syria Policy

In a major diplomatic move, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin made an unannounced visit to Damascus on Tuesday, signaling Ankara’s growing engagement with the Syrian regime following a pivotal U.S. policy shift.

Kalin Holds High-Level Talks in Syrian Capital

Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, which cited security sources. Ankara had not previously disclosed the visit, underscoring the sensitivity of the trip.

Discussions reportedly focused on several key issues, including the recent U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS), and the possible transfer of control over ISIS detention camps to the Syrian central government.

During a May 14 meeting in Riyadh, U.S. President Donald Trump urged President Sharaa to assume responsibility for camps in northeastern Syria that currently house thousands of ISIS detainees and their family members.

ISIS Camps and the Role of the Syrian Democratic Forces

The camps in question are presently administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed militia alliance. More than 15,000 ISIS militants and their families are believed to be held there. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a partial drawdown of the 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in Syria.

Turkey has long opposed the SDF, viewing it as a national security threat due to its ties with Kurdish separatist groups. Ankara has repeatedly called for the dismantling of the SDF and the transfer of ISIS detainees to the Syrian state. Kalin’s visit included talks on integrating SDF elements into the Syrian military and disarming the militia, Anadolu reported.

U.S. and Turkish Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

Kalin’s trip to Damascus comes just days after President Trump’s unexpected announcement on May 13 to ease sanctions on Syria, made during his visit to Saudi Arabia. The U.S. decision followed joint lobbying efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In a related development, a Turkish diplomatic team led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz arrived in Washington on Tuesday. The delegation is scheduled to hold interagency talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau as both sides attempt to coordinate their positions on Syria and regional security.

Ankara Emerges as Key Backer of Damascus

Once a firm supporter of rebel groups opposing the Syrian regime, Turkey has in recent months pivoted to become a major diplomatic backer of the Sharaa government. Turkish officials are now actively promoting sanctions relief for Syria as part of a broader effort to stabilize the regime and reshape post-war governance structures.

This latest round of diplomacy marks a turning point in the regional approach to Syria, with Ankara positioning itself as a central actor in shaping the country’s future—and aligning closely with both Washington and Damascus in the process.

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