Türkiye Plans to Establish Air and Naval Bases in Syria in Joint Effort With Damascus

Türkiye is reportedly preparing to establish both an airbase and a naval base in Syria as part of a joint counterterrorism initiative with the Syrian government aimed at enhancing regional security and combating ISIS, according to media outlets close to Ankara.

Citing Turkish security sources, the Türkiye newspaper reported that the plan forms part of a broader strategy to stabilize Syria, with direct involvement from the Turkish Armed Forces.

The project is said to include the training and restructuring of Syria’s army and security forces, carried out in cooperation with the government of Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

High-Level Talks Between Erdogan and al-Sharaa

The announcement follows a high-level meeting in Istanbul on Saturday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President al-Sharaa, during which the two leaders reportedly discussed deepening military and defense collaboration.

This marks a significant shift in Turkish-Syrian relations, as Türkiye had long been one of the leading opponents of the Bashar al-Assad regime, which al-Sharaa’s forces replaced following a sudden power transition in late 2024.

Israel Reacts Cautiously, Agrees on Deconfliction Mechanism

The prospect of an expanded Turkish military footprint in Syria has triggered concern in Israel, particularly in light of recent regional instability and border tensions near the Golan Heights.

However, Israeli and Turkish officials have reportedly reached a “deconfliction mechanism” during talks held in Azerbaijan, aiming to prevent any direct military friction between their forces in Syrian territory.

A New Security Axis in the Region?

Analysts say the bases could serve multiple strategic purposes for Ankara:

• Strengthen counterterrorism capabilities against ISIS and PKK-linked groups operating in northern Syria

• Help manage the repatriation of Syrian refugees from Türkiye

• Increase Türkiye’s leverage in shaping post-war Syria’s reconstruction

The move also reflects Türkiye’s broader ambition to reshape the regional security order, especially as Western influence in Syria declines and Russia and Iran scale back their involvement following the collapse of the Assad regime.