Reference News, July 24 report - According to the Associated Press, on July 23, Turkish officials said that the Syrian regime has requested Turkey's support to strengthen its defense capabilities. The sectarian violence over the past two weeks has escalated tensions in Syria, leading to Israeli intervention.
Turkish Defense Ministry officials said that Syria is also seeking assistance to combat "terrorist organizations" including the "Islamic State" organization. Officials also stated that Turkey, which has long expressed willingness to help Syria, is working to provide training, consulting services, and technical support to help strengthen Syria's defense capabilities.
The spokesperson of the Justice and Development Party, led by Turkish President Erdogan, Emir Celik, when asked to comment on Syria's request, said: "As long as our brother country Syria makes a request, Turkey will continue to stand firmly behind it."
He said: "The Turkish Armed Forces will complete this task, helping our Syrian brothers and preventing instability there, which is crucial for Turkey's national security."
Last week, tensions in southern Syria escalated, with violent clashes erupting between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze minority militias in Suwayda province. The conflict prompted Israel to conduct airstrikes on Syrian security force convoys in Suwayda province and the Ministry of Defense headquarters in the center of Damascus. Israel claimed that this was to protect the Druze community.
Ankara strongly supports the Syrian regime led by Ahmad al-Khatib and has been trying to reach a defense agreement with Damascus - reportedly, the agreement may include allowing Turkey to establish military bases on Syrian territory. (Translated by Qiu Fang)
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