Turkey Expands Military Presence in Syria with New Base in Aleppo
Turkey has begun constructing a military base at Menagh Air Base in northern Aleppo, highlighting an increase in military activity in Syria. Reports indicate a large-scale mobilization of Turkish forces and an emphasis on collaboration with Syria’s new regime. President Erdoğan has called for foreign powers to cease their involvement in Syria, particularly addressing tensions with Israel, amidst Turkey’s long-standing ambitions for territorial annexation in northern Syria.
The Turkish Army has commenced the construction of a military base at Menagh Air Base in northern Aleppo, previously under Russian control until last year. This development marks a significant escalation in Turkey’s military presence in Syria as it seeks to enhance its influence in the region.
Recent reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicate a large-scale military mobilization by Turkish forces in northern Syria, particularly in the villages of Mar’anaz, Al-Alqamiyah, and Menagh, coupled with an extensive deployment of mine engineering units. Such actions signal Ankara’s persistent intent to bolster its military strategy in the area.
In a recent denial of claims regarding the establishment of new military bases, a senior Turkish official articulated that Turkey is instead focusing on a “roadmap” to address the security requirements of Syria’s new regime under Ahmad al-Shara’a. The official asserted that Turkey is committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Syrian army through collaborative efforts.
Conversely, reports from Bloomberg unveiled that Turkish officials are indeed contemplating the establishment of additional military bases within Syria, alongside the provision of military training and equipment to the new Syrian Armed Forces. This indicates a shift in Turkey’s approach towards its military engagement in Syria.
In January, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned international actors to cease their involvement in Syria, specifically condemning Israel’s actions. His remarks were met with strong rebuttals from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which characterized Turkey as the principal aggressive actor in the region, urging Erdoğan to refrain from issuing threats.
Erdoğan’s military ambitions were further highlighted last summer, where he expressed potential inclinations towards invading Israel amidst rising tensions following an attack by Hezbollah. He emphasized the necessity for Turkey to maintain strength to support Palestine and affirmed the possibility of military action similar to past engagements in Karabakh and Libya.
Turkey has had longstanding aspirations for the gradual annexation of northern Syrian territory. Two years ago, Turkish military sources revealed plans to establish military bases in Aleppo province, specifically targeting strategic crossing points between Aleppo and the Idlib province, as reported by the Iranian MEHR news agency. This ongoing military engagement underscores Turkey’s strategic calculations in the context of its regional dominance.
In summary, Turkey’s establishment of a military base at Menagh Air Base reflects its strategic military objectives in northern Syria. Reports indicate a significant mobilization of Turkish forces and ongoing discussions regarding military collaborations with the new Syrian regime. President Erdoğan has asserted Turkey’s commitment to countering foreign involvement in Syria, specifically addressing tensions with Israel. These developments suggest a continued effort by Turkey to assert its influence and potentially annex regions within Syria, revealing the complex dynamics at play in the region.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
