Overview

• On July 23, Syria’s interim government formally requested Turkey’s support to strengthen its defense capabilities and to combat terrorist groups including the Islamic State.
• Turkish defense officials said they will provide training, advisory services and technical assistance to Syria’s forces and may establish military bases to support ongoing operations.
• On July 22, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that any attempt to divide Syria or seek regional autonomy would be viewed as a direct national security threat and could prompt Turkish intervention.
• Ankara endorses the stalled agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into a unified national army while designating the YPG as a terrorist organization linked to the PKK.
• Turkey condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian government convoys and defense facilities as measures aimed at destabilizing the country and undermining its territorial unity.