Turkish Defense Minister 'Extends Olive Branch' to New Syrian Government

The new government in Syria should be given a chance to govern the country following constructive messages and Turkey is ready to provide military training to Damascus if requested, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said.

Dubai-based Al Arabiya digital news channel (United Arab Emirates - UAE) said Türkiye is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the country has supported the armed opposition groups in Syria, the forces that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, ending 13 years of civil war.

On December 14, two days after the head of Türkiye's intelligence agency visited the Syrian capital, the country reopened its embassy in Damascus.

“In their first statement, the forces that overthrew the al-Assad regime said they would respect all government bodies, the United Nations and other international organizations,” Guler told reporters in Ankara at a press conference on December 15.

According to the Turkish Defense Minister, although people still need to observe the actions of the new government in Syria, they should also be given a chance.

Asked whether Türkiye would consider military cooperation with the new Syrian government, Guler said Ankara had military cooperation and training agreements with many countries.

“(Türkiye) is ready to provide necessary support if requested by the new administration,” Guler added.

Since 2016, Türkiye has carried out four military operations in large areas of northern Syria, citing threats to national security, according to Al Arabiya.

Türkiye is believed to maintain several thousand troops in towns such as Afrin, Azez and Jarablus in northwestern Syria, as well as in Ras al Ain and Tel Abyad in northeastern Syria.

Ankara could discuss and reassess the issue of Türkiye's military presence in Syria with the new administration “when the necessary conditions arise,” Guler said.

On November 27, the Syrian opposition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) launched an attack, then quickly captured important strategic strongholds of the al-Assad government, from Aleppo to Hama, Homs...

Finally, on December 8, the opposition took control of the capital Damascus, overthrew the government, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and seek asylum in the Russian Federation.

On December 10, with the support of opposition forces to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, Mohammed al-Bashir began assuming the role of Syria's leader as interim prime minister until March 1, 2025.

Mr al-Bashir previously headed the opposition-led National Salvation Government, before an 11-day blitzkrieg took control of Damascus, ousting President Bashar al-Assad.