Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): A pro-government Turkish newspaper reported that Turkey may build two military bases in Syria and station F-16 fighter jets there.
According to the newspaper, Turkey and Syria will soon sign a joint defense agreement, according to which Ankara will help Syria in the event of a sudden threat from Damascus.
The agreement also stipulates that the Turkish armed forces will train the Syrian army and its pilots and that Turkey will establish two military bases in Syria.
The newspaper announced that Ankara will station 50 F-16 fighter jets at these bases until the formation of the Syrian Air Force to prevent any attack that could be against the country's sovereignty.
According to RIA Novosti, official officials have not yet commented on these reports. The publication also reported that the new Syrian government has requested drones, radar and electronic warfare systems from Turkey to control the border with the occupied territories.
The report added: The first delivery of drones may take place in the near future. The American newspaper Washington Post previously reported, citing satellite images and an expert, that Israel is building bases in the Golan Heights buffer zone in Syria.
Turkey's strategic role in establishing military bases in Syria
Turkey has long sought to expand its military presence in Syria. In fact, its efforts to deploy military forces in Syria are not only part of Ankara's foreign policy, but also one of its strategic goals in maintaining its influence in the Middle East.
Since the Syrian crisis began in 2011, Turkey has always sought to influence developments in the country. Ankara initially supported groups opposing Bashar al-Assad and then continued its military presence in northern Syria. Turkey, which faced security threats from Kurdish groups in northern Syria, tried to reduce the influence of these groups and secure its borders. Therefore, Turkey’s military presence in Syria can be interpreted not only as a measure to counter Kurdish groups, but also in line with its geopolitical and strategic interests in the Middle East.
Turkey has long sought to deploy its military forces in Syria, and its recent move to establish new military bases in the country is in line with this strategic goal. This could have consequences for the entire region. It seems that the countries of the region should carefully follow the developments of this Turkish move and, based on their national and security interests, take appropriate measures to protect regional interests and stability.