Defence Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed Türkiye is now backing Syria’s new government militarily and has no immediate plans to withdraw its over 20,000 troops from Syrian territory.

In exclusive written responses to Reuters, Güler stated that Türkiye has begun “providing military training and consultancy services” to the Syrian armed forces. This follows the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, after a five-decade rule. Ankara, once a major supporter of the Syrian opposition, has now emerged as the chief foreign ally of the transitional government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

“We are taking steps to increase Syria’s defence capacity,” Güler said, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.

No Near-Term Withdrawal of Turkish Forces

Güler made it clear that Türkiye has no immediate plans to relocate or reduce its military presence in Syria. Turkish forces had entered northern Syria through multiple cross-border operations targeting Kurdish groups labeled as threats by Ankara. Türkiye currently holds large swathes of northern Syria and operates dozens of military bases.

Güler said withdrawal can only be considered “when Syria achieves peace and stability, the terrorism threat is removed, our border security is fully ensured, and the honourable return of refugees is realised.”

Türkiye-Israel De-Confliction Talks Continue

While tensions between Türkiye and Israel have intensified since Israel’s campaign in Gaza and recent airstrikes in southern Syria, the two powers have been quietly engaging in de-confliction talks. Güler stressed that these talks are purely technical and aimed at “preventing unwanted events or direct conflict.”

“Our efforts to form this line and make it fully operational continue,” he noted. “Yet it should not be forgotten that the de-confliction mechanism is not a normalisation.”

Türkiye’s Priorities in Post-Assad Syria

Güler emphasized Ankara’s broader goals: preserving Syria’s unity, fighting terrorism, and facilitating the return of millions of displaced Syrians. Türkiye also played a role in securing the lifting of some Western sanctions on Syria last month, bolstering its growing influence in Damascus.

The shift marks a dramatic transformation in Ankara’s Syria policy and positions Türkiye as a central player in shaping the war-torn country’s future.