Turkey Establishes Military Base in Aleppo, Heightens Regional Tensions

The Turkish Army is building a military base at Menagh Air Base in northern Aleppo, previously controlled by Russia. Reports indicate a significant mobilization of Turkish forces and mine engineering teams in northern Syria. Turkish officials are developing a roadmap to support Syria’s new regime, despite previous denials regarding new military bases. President Erdoğan’s comments signal a firm stance against foreign involvement in Syria, raising tensions with Israel.

The Turkish Army has commenced the construction of a military base within the Menagh Air Base, located in the northern Aleppo countryside of Syria. This facility was previously controlled by Russian forces before their withdrawal last year. The move appears to be part of Turkey’s broader strategy to assert its military presence in the region.

Recent reports from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate significant military mobilization by Turkish forces, particularly the deployment of mine engineering teams in Mar’anaz, Al-Alqamiyah, and Menagh, signaling an increased military footprint in northern Syria. The Observatory cautioned that this development reflects Ankara’s intent to strengthen its military influence.

Despite prior denials from Turkish officials regarding the establishment of new military bases, it has emerged that Ankara is indeed considering this option. A senior official has stated that Turkey is developing a “roadmap” to support the new Syrian regime led by Ahmad al-Shara’a and to bolster the Syrian army’s capabilities.

Additionally, sources from Bloomberg have revealed that Turkey is contemplating both the establishment of military bases and the provision of weaponry and military training to the new Syrian Armed Forces as part of this initiative. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued stern warnings to other nations regarding their involvement in Syria, emphasizing that interference must cease to avoid negative repercussions.

In a recent diplomatic exchange, Israel rejected Erdoğan’s stern remarks, asserting that Turkey itself is the aggressor in Syria and urging the Turkish President to refrain from making threats. The presence of Turkish military forces in Syria could pose significant challenges to Israeli security, particularly in light of Erdoğan’s previous comments implying potential military action against Israel.

Turkey has been eyeing a gradual annexation of northern Syrian territories, with military intelligence in the region indicating plans to establish additional bases near critical crossing points connecting Aleppo with Idlib province, further solidifying its strategic objectives.

The Turkish military’s efforts to establish a presence in northern Syria signify a decisive step in Ankara’s regional strategy. This build-up at the Menagh Air Base, alongside threats directed at other nations, illustrates Turkey’s commitment to bolster its influence and capabilities in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape. As these developments unfold, the implications for regional stability, particularly concerning Israel, warrant close attention.

Original Source: www.jewishpress.com