Politics
Türkiye to help Syria eliminate Assad regime’s chemical weapons
Türkiye has become part of an international task force formed to help Syria eliminate remaining chemical weapons from the former Assad regime, following an invitation from Damascus.
According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, a decision was adopted on Oct. 10, 2025, at the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support Syria in the accelerated on-site destruction of remaining chemical weapons remnants.
During his time in power, Assad’s forces were widely documented as responsible for hundreds of chemical weapons attacks. Independent investigations and U.N.-linked inquiries estimate over 300 confirmed attacks, primarily involving chlorine and other banned agents, with the vast majority attributed to government forces between 2012 and 2019.
While the Chemical Weapons Convention places the responsibility for destroying such weapons on individual states, due to the ousted Assad regime’s covert conduct of its chemical weapons program, its refusal to cooperate with the OPCW, the unknown fate of records pertaining to the chemical weapons program from the former regime’s era and the lack of capacity for destruction, a process had been initiated to provide support to Syria from the international community.
In parallel with this process, the Syrian government established an international task force in cooperation with the OPCW to locate, verify, secure and destroy the remnants of the country’s chemical weapons program.
Through this mechanism, referred to by Syria as the “Breath of Freedom Task Force,” it is envisaged that technical, logistical and training support will be provided to the Syrian government in the face of these challenges and that the international community’s support for this purpose will be coordinated.
In addition to Türkiye and Syria, the task force members include Qatar, the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Canada and the OPCW Technical Secretariat.
The task force members are generally expected to provide the necessary training and equipment to ensure that reconnaissance activities conducted by Syrian teams in the field are carried out safely, as well as to support the secure containment, storage and planned destruction of any chemical weapons and residues identified.
They are also expected to provide technical support for on-site destruction where safe storage is not feasible and to make concrete contributions to addressing Syria’s capacity gaps to strengthen the resilience of its health infrastructure against chemical risks.
A ceremony marking the official launch of the task force’s activities was held in New York on Wednesday with the participation of officials from member countries.
Türkiye was represented at the event by its permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız.
Türkiye’s contributions
The new Syrian government took power after the ouster of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024 and has been working to recover from 14 years of civil war and to reintegrate into the international fold.
Türkiye has taken a leading role in supporting post-Assad Syria across multiple fronts. Ankara has expanded security cooperation, including training and equipping Syrian forces, while providing energy support, supplying natural gas and electricity to help restore critical infrastructure.
Türkiye has also been carrying out humanitarian demining activities in various parts of Syria, contributing to the disposal of unexploded ordnance as well as providing active political, technical and logistical support within the framework of the task force and OPCW-led international efforts.
In this context, Türkiye hosted a workshop in Ankara on Feb. 16-17 with the participation of experts from task force member countries and the OPCW.
The workshop assessed in detail the operational, technical and institutional capacity gaps in eliminating remnants of the former Assad regime’s chemical weapons program and helped structure support packages to be provided to Syria.
Türkiye called on Wednesday for Syria to be shielded from the broader regional escalation triggered by ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that growing instability poses a direct threat to Syria’s recovery.
Speaking at a U.N. Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East, Türkiye’s permanent representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, commended the Syrian government for its efforts to keep the country out of the regional conflict, saying it was “essential to keep Syria insulated from these tensions.”
He pointed to the ripple effects of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which he said had internally displaced more than 1 million people and pushed over 100,000, predominantly Syrians, back across the border into Syria.
“In the face of this large-scale population movement, it is of utmost importance that U.N. entities, in particular the UNHCR and OCHA, continue to provide necessary support to the Syrian government,” Yıldız said.
He also called on Israel to withdraw from the southern Syrian buffer zone and areas it has occupied since Dec. 8, 2024, stressing that stability in southern Syria must be achieved in full compliance with the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement and in respect of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Yıldız also warned against complacency on counterterrorism, saying the threat posed by the Daesh terrorist group must be closely monitored during the current period of heightened instability and that Syria should be supported in strengthening its counterterrorism capacity as a member of the global coalition against the group.
“We must not allow the current environment to provide an opportunity for its reemergence,” he said.
On Syria’s political trajectory, the ambassador struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying progress across security, political and economic spheres pointed toward “a more hopeful and constructive path.”
He also welcomed the removal of the Nusra Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, from the U.N. sanctions regime as an important step toward bolstering the international legitimacy of the Syrian government and urged sustained engagement to seize “a clear window of opportunity” for lasting stability.
On Dec. 8, 2024, Syrian opposition forces entered the capital Damascus, effectively ending Bashar Assad’s 24-year rule and the Assad family dynasty.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was one of the most prominent armed groups opposing Assad’s forces during Syria’s civil war, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s president in the wake of Assad’s ouster.
The Foreign Ministry held a ceremony in the capital on Wednesday to commemorate diplomats, public officials and their family members who were killed in terrorist attacks while serving abroad, marking March 18 Martyrs’ Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the Gallipoli naval victory.
The ceremony took place at the Foreign Ministry Martyrs’ Cemetery in Ankara’s Cebeci Asri Cemetery and was attended by relatives of slain diplomats, senior Turkish officials, and representatives of foreign missions based in Türkiye. Among those present was Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Zeki Levent Gümrükçü.
Participants observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen, followed by prayers. Wreaths were laid at the memorial on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as well as by representatives of diplomatic families and institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gümrükçü said the gathering was held to honor those who lost their lives while representing Türkiye abroad and to remember all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
“Today, we come together to commemorate our diplomats, public servants and their family members who were martyred while serving our nation abroad, as well as all those who gave their lives for our homeland,” he said.
Gümrükçü also highlighted the historical significance of the Gallipoli naval victory, describing it as a turning point not only for the Turkish nation but also for the course of world history.
“The Gallipoli victory demonstrated to the entire world the Turkish nation’s faith, sacrifice and determination for independence,” he said, adding that the battle remains a defining symbol of resilience and unity.
He noted that Türkiye has long been among the countries most affected by terrorism and recalled that attacks targeting Turkish diplomats abroad began in the 1970s. In 1973, Turkish Consul General Mehmet Baydar and Consul Bahadır Demir were killed in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a series of attacks against Turkish representatives.
In the following years, attacks carried out by various groups claimed the lives of dozens of Turkish citizens, including diplomats, public officials and members of their families. Gümrükçü said a total of 41 people were killed in such attacks, while many others were injured.
“These attacks did not only target Turkish diplomats but also aimed at undermining peace and shared human values,” he said.
Gümrükçü stressed that those responsible for the attacks had failed to achieve their goals and would never succeed. He also expressed regret that some perpetrators have not yet been identified or brought to justice.
Calling for stronger international cooperation, he urged the global community to take a unified and non-selective approach in combating terrorism.
“A determined and comprehensive fight against all forms of terrorism is one of the most important guarantees of our common future,” he said.
He added that the Turkish Foreign Ministry continues efforts to honor the memory of its fallen personnel, including placing memorials and plaques at locations abroad where attacks occurred.
According to officials, memorials have already been established in cities such as Sydney, Ottawa, Lisbon, Vienna, Burgas and Belgrade, while work continues in other locations.
Gümrükçü remarked that commemorative events and projects are also being supported to ensure that the memory of the victims is preserved and passed on to future generations.
“As members of the Foreign Ministry, from the youngest to the most senior, we work every day to be worthy of the memory of our martyrs,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with participants visiting the graves of the fallen diplomats and paying their respects.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman has voiced support for Türkiye’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the TRNC, warning that growing militarization by the Greek Cypriot administration risks turning the island into a flashpoint amid escalating regional tensions.
Erhürman said criticism from the Greek Cypriot side over the deployment was unfounded, stressing that Türkiye, as a guarantor power, has legitimate authority on the island. He warned that policies by the south to turn Cyprus into “a weapons depot” could render the island unlivable.
“They criticize the F-16s sent by Türkiye and even see themselves as having the authority to comment on them,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA), questioning the role of other countries. “Türkiye is a guarantor of the entire island. What status do France or the Netherlands have?”
His remarks followed Türkiye’s warning that increased military activity on the island by the Greek Cypriot administration allowing foreign forces and weapons, threatens regional stability. Turkish Defense Ministry sources said Wednesday that Ankara is taking additional steps to ensure the security of both Turkish Cyprus and the island as a whole.
The dispute has also extended to airspace control, with Türkiye and the TRNC rejecting a Greek Cypriot notice to airmen (NOTAM) as “null and void,” saying it undermines TRNC authority. Turkish Cypriot officials issued a counter-NOTAM, asserting jurisdiction over Ercan Airport airspace and urging aircraft to coordinate with their control units.
Tensions have intensified following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, with spillover effects reaching Cyprus, which remains divided between Turkish Cyprus in the north and the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, an EU member not recognized by guarantor Türkiye. The TRNC, established in 1983, is recognized only by Türkiye.
A recent drone strike on a British base underscored the island’s exposure to conflict. In response, several European countries pledged military support to the Greek Cypriot side, while France deployed naval and air defense assets to the region.
Türkiye, in turn, deployed six F-16 jets and air defense systems to the TRNC on March 9, describing the move as a deterrent against missile and drone threats.
Erhürman criticized the Greek Cypriot administration’s growing military alliances, arguing they create insecurity and damage the island’s image. He said the presence of foreign military forces, from European navies to Western bases, feeds perceptions that the region is unsafe.
“No matter what you say, this creates the perception that this is not a safe region,” he said.
He also pointed to past alliance efforts involving Israel, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, arguing that such partnerships contribute to current security concerns.
Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to abandon “adventurist policies,” Erhürman warned that continued efforts to position itself as a dominant regional actor could lead to greater risks for the island.
Despite rising tensions, he said coordination with Türkiye remains strong and that necessary precautions have been taken. Erhürman added that the TRNC currently faces no immediate threat but remains vigilant, emphasizing that decisions taken without the will of Turkish Cypriots should not impose consequences on them.
Türkiye on Wednesday warned the Greek Cypriot administration against turning the island of Cyprus into a target amid the ongoing Iran war, saying growing militarization on the island threatens regional stability while reaffirming its commitment to protect Turkish Cyprus.
Defense Ministry sources said the Greek Cypriot side has, in recent years, made the island a target by allowing the accumulation of weapons on the island and permitting other countries to use it for military purposes.
“As a guarantor country, our country continues to take additional measures to ensure the security of not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) but the entire island,” the sources said.
The ministry also rejected as “null and void” a recent notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing it as an attempt to create jurisdictional confusion and disregard the rights of the TRNC.
The remarks came after a weekly press briefing at the 10th Main Jet Base Command in Incirlik, where ministry officials responded to questions from reporters.
The ministry said the Greek Cypriot administration has periodically taken similar steps, issuing notices that it said aim to undermine TRNC authority.
The TRNC authorities on Monday issued a counter-NOTAM declaring the Greek Cypriot notice invalid. The disputed NOTAM covered a wide maritime area south and east of Cyprus, including sections of airspace claimed by the TRNC. It advised aircraft flying up to 5,486 meters to exercise caution due to possible military activity and to remain in contact with Greek Cypriot air traffic control.
A NOTAM is an official aviation notice informing pilots of potential hazards, restrictions or changes in airspace that could affect flight operations.
TRNC authorities said air traffic and aeronautical information services within the Ercan advisory airspace fall solely under their jurisdiction.
“The NOTAM published by the Greek Cypriot administration is invalid and has no legal effect,” TRNC officials said, urging aircraft to follow official aviation information and coordinate with TRNC air traffic units.
The notice initially cited “U.S. military operations” before being revised to “possible military operations.” Maps published by the Greek Cypriot side marked areas extending from Türkiye’s southern coast to Turkish Cyprus.
The dispute comes as regional tensions have intensified following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with spillover effects reaching Cyprus, which remains divided between Turkish Cyprus in the north and the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, an EU member not recognized by guarantor Türkiye. The TRNC, established in 1983, is recognized only by Türkiye.
Earlier this month, a drone struck a British base on the island, highlighting its exposure to escalating conflict. Greek Cypriot authorities said the drone was likely launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Following the incident, several European countries pledged to send air defense systems and other military assets to Greek Cyprus, while France deployed an aircraft carrier, a frigate and air defense units to the Mediterranean.
Ankara too deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the TRNC on March 9, describing the move as a legitimate measure to strengthen deterrence and protect airspace against rising missile and drone threats.
Turkish officials said the growing presence of foreign military elements on the island reinforces their concerns about militarization and supports the legitimacy of Türkiye’s actions. They emphasized the deployment was part of broader efforts to ensure security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
There is also unease on the Turkish side over the Greek Cypriot administration’s expanding military cooperation with Western partners, particularly after the United Kingdom allowed the United States to use its military facilities in Greek Cyprus.
British installations, including a Royal Air Force base, have played a key logistical role in Western operations in the Middle East in recent years.
2nd Patriot system deployed
Separately, Türkiye is reinforcing its air defenses with NATO support as regional threats persist.
NATO was deploying a new Patriot missile battery at Incirlik air base, just days after a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down.
“Another Patriot system … is being deployed … in addition to the existing Spanish Patriot system stationed there,” a ministry official told reporters at the Turkish air base, just outside the southern city of Adana.
The ministry did not say which country’s troops would be operating the new PAC-3 system.
Last Friday, Türkiye confirmed a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down in Turkish airspace by NATO forces, the third such incident since the Middle East war started.
After the second interception, NATO deployed Patriot defenses in the central Malatya region, where the Kürecik air base is located, which houses a NATO early-warning radar system manned by U.S. troops that can detect Iranian missile launches.
Türkiye, which has maintained a neutral position in the war, has repeatedly assured the system was not used against Iran.
Iranian officials have insisted that they did not fire at Türkiye, although the available data shows that the missiles came from Iran, the Turkish foreign minister said on Saturday.
The Patriot is a mobile air-defence system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.
The PAC-2 version has an interception range of up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) against aircraft and cruise missiles, while the PAC-3 has a range of 20 to 35 kilometers against ballistic missiles, according to U.S. Army data.
Türkiye on Wednesday said NATO was deploying a new Patriot missile battery at Incirlik air base just days after a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down in Turkish airspace.
“Another Patriot system… is being deployed… in addition to the existing Spanish Patriot system stationed there,” a Defense Ministry official told reporters at the Turkish air base, just outside the southern city of Adana.
The ministry spokesperson Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk did not say which country’s troops would be operating the new PAC-3 system.
He said the deployment of the battery came “in addition to the measures taken at the national level to ensure the security of our airspace and citizens.”
Last Friday, Türkiye confirmed a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down in Turkish airspace by NATO forces, the third such incident since the Middle East war started.
After the second interception, NATO deployed Patriot defenses in the central Malatya region, where the Kürecik air base is located, which houses a NATO early-warning radar system manned by U.S. troops that can detect Iranian missile launches.
Türkiye, which has maintained a neutral position in the war, has repeatedly assured the system was not used against Iran.
“We are maintaining contact with the relevant country to fully clarify all aspects of the incident, taking all necessary measures with determination against any threats to our national security, and closely and carefully monitoring developments in our region,” Aktürk said.
Iranian officials have insisted that they did not fire at Türkiye, although the available data shows that the missiles came from Iran, the Turkish foreign minister said on Saturday.
The Patriot is a mobile air-defense system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.
The PAC-2 version has an interception range of up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) against aircraft and cruise missiles, while the PAC-3 has a range of 20 to 35 kilometers against ballistic missiles, according to U.S. Army data.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Thursday as part of a broader regional tour aimed at addressing escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.
According to the ministry sources, Fidan is expected to be received by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to hold talks with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as part of his visit to Qatar.
Following the meetings, Fidan and his Qatari counterpart are expected to hold a joint news conference.
The exact timing of the meeting has not yet been finalized but is planned for around 5 p.m. local time.
Fidan’s visit follows his participation in a high-level meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, where regional developments were discussed with counterparts from several countries.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on March 17, Fidan had signaled the upcoming trip, saying he would embark on a regional tour to consult with countries on steps to halt the ongoing conflict.
“We will be visiting countries in the region starting tomorrow to discuss measures that can be taken to stop the war,” Fidan said.
The Turkish minister also held late-night talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with fellow foreign ministers, focusing on recent developments in the region and potential diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Türkiye has been actively engaging in diplomatic initiatives, calling for de-escalation and a return to dialogue amid growing instability in the Middle East.
The tensions in the region have escalated since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,000 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian top officials.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, which it says are targeting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
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