Turkey Extends Military Presence in Syria and Iraq for Three More Years
Zeki Akturk, spokesperson for Turkey’s Ministry of Defense, announced in a press briefing in Ankara that the Turkish Armed Forces will continue to take necessary measures against all threats to national security. His remarks followed the Turkish parliament’s approval of a three-year extension for Ankara’s military deployment in Syria and Iraq.
Turkey aims to solidify its influence in post-war Syria by establishing strong ties with the emerging power structure in Damascus. Multiple meetings between Turkish commanders and senior officials with leaders of the al-Jolani-led administration, along with military support in the form of weapons, training, political backing, and security cooperation, are part of this strategic effort.
The situation in Iraq, however, remains more contentious. Iraqi factions have consistently opposed the presence of Turkish forces on their soil. Resistance groups have launched repeated attacks on Turkish military positions in northern Iraq over recent years. If tensions escalate, further strikes against Turkish bases in the region are likely.
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