Turkey and Russia face off over military roles in Syria
Turkey's Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, stated on Sunday that Russia has not completely withdrawn from Syria. He added that Ankara will consider its military presence in the country and is ready to provide military training to the Syrian army if the authorities in Damascus express such a desire.
Guler emphasised that Turkey is interested in stabilising the region and is monitoring the actions of other countries in Syria.
It doesn’t look like Russia has completely withdrawn from Syria. It will want to maintain its presence in the country at all costs.
The minister indicated that Ankara is open to collaborating with the new Syrian administration on military training. Turkey is willing to assist in training Syrian armed forces if Damascus expresses interest.
Regarding Kurdish militants in Syria, Guler expressed confidence that the PKK/YPG terrorist group operating in the region would eventually be eradicated. He highlighted that Turkey has communicated its position on the PKK and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to the United States, a key supporter of the Kurds.
Turkey, a NATO member, has been involved in conflicts in Syria for years, supporting some rebel groups. According to Reuters, Ankara might leave a few thousand soldiers stationed at strategic points in the northwest, such as Afrin, Azaz, and Jarabulus, and in the northeast – in Ras al-Ayn and Tell Abyad.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, which played a crucial role in the fight against Islamic State, control a significant part of northern Syria, where some of the country's largest oil fields are located. However, Ankara considers the YPG, the main force of the SDF, to be an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey regards as a terrorist organisation.
Are Russian troops still stationed in Syria?
The Russian presence in Syria remains significant. Russian forces supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime continue to operate in the country. Despite reports of a possible withdrawal of some units, Syrian sources from Reuters inform that Moscow has no intention of leaving its main bases in Hmeimim and Tartus.
The future of the conflict in Syria is still uncertain, and the actions of key players such as Turkey, Russia, and the United States will have a significant impact on shaping the situation in the region.
