Turkey to Provide Weapons and Logistics to Syrian Transitional Government

Turkey will provide Syria with weapons, military equipment and logistical support under a recently signed defense agreement.

The YN reported the deal, citing officials from Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense.

The announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Kasra. The document sets out cooperation on military support for Syria.

Last month, Damascus formally appealed to Ankara for help in strengthening its defenses amid sectarian violence in the country, which also drew Israeli intervention.

Under the agreement, Turkey will share ‘knowledge and experience’ and supply military equipment, weapons systems and logistical materials to bolster Syria’s military capacity.

Ankara has already provided military aid to Damascus.

In early July, reports surfaced of the transfer of Cobra and Cadillac Gage Commando armored vehicles to the Syrian army.

The information was confirmed by video footage showing Turkish promises being carried out, including the delivery of armored vehicles and the deployment of instructors to help Syrian forces combat armed groups.

A representative of the Syrian transitional government told Reuters that Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa planned to discuss with Ankara the creation of a ‘new Syrian army’ — the previous one had been disbanded after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

He also referred to ‘new areas of cooperation’ but gave no details.

According to local media, the new Syrian authorities have offered Turkey the use of military air bases on Syrian territory in place of Russian ones.

In addition, Ankara will be allowed to use Syrian airspace for military operations and has pledged to assist Syria in the event of external threats.