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Turkish Defense Ministry sources dismiss reports of plans for military bases in Syria

It was reported that Ankara was planning to train the Syrian army, and two Turkish military bases were allegedly expected to be set up in Syria for that purpose

ISTANBUL, February 6. /TASS/. Allegations regarding the establishment of Turkish military bases in Syria are false, the TRT Haber TV channel reported, citing sources in Turkey’s Defense Ministry.

The Turkiye newspaper reported earlier, citing Syrian sources, that Ankara was planning to train the Syrian army, and two Turkish military bases were allegedly expected to be set up in Syria for that purpose. Reuters, in turn, claimed that Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was supposed to discuss the possibility of creating Turkish military bases in the country during a visit to Ankara on February 4.

"It is premature to discuss such issues. Based on requests from Syria's new [interim] government, specific steps are planned to be taken to strengthen the capacity of the Syrian army through the development of a joint roadmap," the sources pointed out. They noted that last week, the new Syrian authorities had held the first meeting with a delegation of the Turkish Defense Ministry, with the parties being "unanimous about the need to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, as well as to eliminate the terrorist threat."

"Turkey’s priority is to maintain Syria’s territorial integrity, stabilize the situation in the country, and counter the activities of terrorist elements, primarily the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the People's Defense Units (designated as terrorist organizations by Ankara - TASS). We support the new Syrian government’s efforts to stabilize and normalize the situation throughout the country. We have informed them of our readiness to provide them with all possible support on issues relating to our ministry’s competence," the Turkish Defense Ministry sources added.

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