Turkey ready to provide military training in Syria

Last Updated on December 18, 2024 6:50 am

Turkey’s new Syrian administration should be given the opportunity to govern the country according to its constructive proposals, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said. He also said that the rebel leaders are willing to provide military training to Syrian troops if they want. Reuters reports.

Turkey has previously supported the Syrian rebels who last week ousted President Bashar al-Assad, ending a 13-year civil war. Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday.

In the first statement issued by the rebel group, the new administration announced that it would respect all government institutions, the United Nations and other international organizations.

Guler told reporters in Ankara on Sunday that we think we should see what the new administration can do if given the opportunity.

Asked if Turkey was considering military cooperation with the new Syrian government, Guler said Ankara had already signed military cooperation and training agreements with many countries. He said that if the new administration requests it, it is ready to provide the necessary assistance.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched four military operations in northern Syria, citing threats to its national security.

Güler added that Ankara could also discuss and reassess Turkey’s military presence in Syria with the new administration if such a situation arises.

Earlier, the country’s new administration presented a constructive plan with several proposals to rebuild Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.