Türkiye will maintain its military presence in Syria and Iraq until it determines that regional and border security conditions have been sufficiently met, Defence Minister Yasar Guler has told AFP, signalling that Ankara is not ready to withdraw its forces from either neighbour.
“We are maintaining our military presence in Iraq and Syria. When we assess that the necessary conditions have been met in terms of regional and border security, the status of our base areas and our presence in the region will be reconsidered,” Guler said on Tuesday in written responses to AFP questions.
The comments reflect Türkiye’s continued emphasis on preventing cross-border attacks and countering armed groups it considers threats to its national security, while its relationships with both Baghdad and Damascus continue to evolve.
Security concerns underpin cross-border deployments
Türkiye has conducted repeated military operations in northern Syria and northern Iraq, primarily targeting the PKK terrorist organisation and affiliated groups.
Turkish forces have maintained positions in northern Syria following a series of cross-border operations launched since 2016.
Ankara has also established military positions in northern Iraq as part of its campaign against the PKK and Daesh terrorist organisation.
Türkiye says its deployments are intended to prevent armed groups from using neighbouring territories to launch attacks.
Iraq base transfer signals evolving security ties
Guler’s remarks come as Türkiye and Iraq pursue closer security cooperation alongside discussions about the future of Turkish military positions.
In September, Ankara and Baghdad agreed on the gradual transfer of the Bashiqa-Zelikan military camp near Mosul to the Iraqi government, with the process expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The agreement was presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen Iraqi state authority and address the presence of armed groups in northern Iraq.
The planned handover does not amount to a full Turkish withdrawal from Iraq. Guler’s statement indicates that Ankara intends to reassess individual bases and its wider presence according to its own assessment of security conditions.
Türkiye and Iraq have also expanded official security and counterterrorism talks, with both governments discussing cooperation against armed groups and other threats.
Syria’s changing security landscape
Türkiye’s military posture in Syria is also shaped by developments following the country’s political transition and efforts to integrate armed formations into state institutions.
Ankara has backed efforts to consolidate security structures under a unified Syrian state and has said its military cooperation should support stability and counterterrorism.
Guler did not give a timetable for withdrawing Turkish forces from either country.
Instead, he said the status of bases and deployments would be reconsidered once the required security conditions were met, leaving the timing of any broader change dependent on Ankara’s assessment of developments along its borders.
