Turkey is moving to expand its military influence in Syria by rebuilding and developing the T4 desert air base in central Syria, amid Israeli concerns and international reservations.
According to US media reports, Ankara is working to deploy advanced Hisar air defense systems at the country's largest air base, along with reconnaissance aircraft and armed drones with expanded attack capabilities.
The Turkish government is also seeking to establish a multi-layered air defense system capable of intercepting aircraft, missiles, and drones, strengthening its air control in the region.
A report by the Middle East Eye website indicated that Ankara and Damascus have been conducting secret negotiations since last December with the aim of concluding a defense agreement following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
This agreement will provide air cover and military support to the new Syrian government, which suffers from weak military capabilities after years of conflict.
Turkish moves in Syria have raised significant concerns in Israel, which views the Turkish military presence as a direct threat to its freedom of air operations in Syria.
Israeli forces have recently intensified their airstrikes on Syrian military sites, including the T4 airbase and Palmyra airbase, in an attempt to weaken any military presence that might pose a strategic threat.
An Israeli security source said that the establishment of a Turkish airbase in Syria "undermines Israel's freedom of action in the region," noting that the Israeli government is considering options to respond to this development, whether through diplomatic or military channels.
The Turkish moves come at a time when Syria is witnessing a gradual withdrawal of Russian and Iranian forces due to political and economic pressures.
Ankara is seeking to exploit this vacuum to enhance its military and political influence in the country, focusing on confronting ISIS. This could receive Western support, particularly from the United States, which has made combating terrorism a prerequisite for considering reducing its military presence in the region.
Fares Al-Rifai - Zaman Al-Wasl
Comments About This Article
Please fill the fields below.