Exclusive: Turkey Reportedly Planning Military Bases in Syria Amid Deepening Ties
Recent developments suggest a significant shift in Turkish-Syrian relations. Multiple sources from Ankara indicate that Turkey and Syria's interim government are establishing comprehensive cooperation across military, economic, and infrastructure sectors. While official confirmation remains pending, these developments mark a potential turning point in regional dynamics.
Military and Security Cooperation Expands
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has reportedly taken significant steps to strengthen military and security cooperation with Syria's new administration over the past month. Sources indicate that Turkey plans to assign a Military Attaché to Syria to enhance military relations and coordination between the two countries. A notable development occurred in Afrin, where Syria's new administration reportedly took control of the Syrian National Army. Turkish defense sources emphasized that this transition is critical for establishing Syrian sovereignty and affirmed that "Turkey will continue to support our Syrian brothers." In January 2025, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense delegation visited Syria for technical discussions with Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra and Chief of General Staff Ali Nasaan. These talks reportedly focused on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism and defense matters. Most significantly, Syria's new administration has reportedly reached agreements with armed opposition groups that overthrew the Assad regime, dissolving these groups and unifying them under the Defense Ministry. This restructuring represents a crucial step in rebuilding Syria's military framework.
Economic Relations Revitalized
On February 11, 2025, Turkey's Ministry of Trade issued a new circular lifting the import ban with Syria. This regulation ensures that products imported from Syria are subject to the same foreign trade rules as those from other countries. The Turkey-Syria Free Trade Agreement, which had been suspended since 2011, has reportedly been reactivated. This move aims to liberalize trade between the two countries and strengthen economic cooperation.
Customs restrictions on exports and transit operations to Syria through the Turkish Customs Territory have been removed. As a result, land border crossings to Syria can now be used for exports or transit goods from Turkey to Syria under the same conditions as other countries: border Management and Returns.
According to Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, approximately 40,000 people have returned to Syria since December 8, 2024. Specifically, 27,941 people have made permanent returns through Hatay's three customs gates, reaching nearly 40,000, including other crossing points. Improvements at customs gates and additional personnel have significantly facilitated this process—infrastructure Rehabilitation Efforts.
Turkey has launched comprehensive efforts to support Syria's new administration through various ministries. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has taken significant steps in this process.
The Ministry has conducted inspections at Damascus and Aleppo airports, identifying deficiencies. Initial plans include reactivating Damascus Airport under the management of Turkey's General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ). Additionally, work has begun to ensure the integrity of the railway extending from Turkey to Damascus.
Repair work continues on the M4 and M5 highways and damaged bridges to ensure the safety and continuity of land transportation.
Maritime cooperation is also advancing, with efforts to revitalize Syria's ports and plans for a Maritime Jurisdiction Agreement between Turkey and Syria in the coming period. This agreement aims to coordinate maritime activities between both countries.
Healthcare Support Continues
Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stated in December 2024 in Şanlıurfa that Turkey would continue to provide all kinds of healthcare support to Syrian neighbors following the overthrow of the Assad regime. "Today, as our President said, we helped our Syrian neighbors as 'Ansar' [hosts], and we will continue to help," Memişoğlu declared. Interim government Health Minister Mahir Shara emphasized that Turkey's stance toward the Syrian people has been resolute and supportive. Shara expressed that the Turkish people extended a helping hand to Syrians in difficult times, opening their homes and borders: analysis and Regional Implications.
A Strategic Shift
The reported developments represent a dramatic shift in Turkish-Syrian relations after years of tension. If confirmed, this new cooperation framework would significantly alter the region's geopolitical landscape.
Turkey is positioning itself as a key partner in Syria's reconstruction and stabilization efforts. By establishing a multilevel cooperation framework covering military, economic, transportation, and healthcare sectors, Turkey is potentially securing its strategic interests while supporting Syria's rebuilding process.
The reported military agreements, including potential Turkish bases in Syria, would mark a particularly significant development that could reshape security dynamics in the region. Integrating former opposition groups into Syria's official military structure suggests progress toward national reconciliation, though challenges likely remain.
For Syrian civilians, improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and cross-border movement could signal the beginning of a more stable period after years of conflict, potentially encouraging more refugees to return.
However, it remains unclear how these developments might affect relations with other regional and international actors with interests in Syria, including Russia, Iran, and Western powers. If confirmed, the establishment of Turkish military bases in Syria would represent a major shift in regional power dynamics.