Quoting the Defense Ministry, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that the army took over Shaddadi military base with coordination with the United States.

The move follows the U.S. pullout from al-Tanf ⁠strategic base after a deal ​to integrate the ​U.S.-backed terrorist group YPG into ⁠central ‌Syrian ​institutions.

Syrian and U.S. officials stressed Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday.

The Syrian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss key local and regional developments.

Both sides emphasized the unity of Syria, its sovereignty, and the integrity of its territory. The U.S. reaffirmed its support for the Syrian government.

Washington also expressed support for the recent integration agreement between the government and the YPG, as well as Syria’s efforts to combat Daesh.

Syria formally joined the anti-Daesh coalition last November. The coalition was formed in 2014 and has carried out military operations against the terrorist group in Syria and Iraq, though Damascus was not previously a member.

The talks also addressed relations between Syria and the U.S. and ways to develop cooperation in various fields.

The U.S. State Department said in a separate statement on Saturday that Rubio affirmed U.S. support for a Syria that is “stable, at peace” with its neighbors, and protects the rights of all its ethnic and religious minority groups. Rubio “welcomed the Syrian government’s commitment to fully cooperate with the United States and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS,” deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, using another name for Daesh. The secretary of state also emphasized the importance of implementing the permanent cease-fire and integration agreement in northeastern Syria, and ensuring full respect and safety for the rights of all Syrians, Pigott added.

On Jan. 18, the Syrian government and theYPG reached a comprehensive cease-fire and full integration agreement, outlining sweeping measures to restore state authority in the northeast.

Syrian security forces and administrative bodies have entered areas previously controlled by the YPG, including Hassakeh, Qamishli and Ain al-Arab (Kobani), as well as strategic facilities such as airports, oil fields, and border crossings.

The agreement provides for the gradual handover of security responsibilities, the deployment of state institutions, and the integration of YPG forces into official government structures.

The Syrian Army launched an operation against the YPG on Jan. 16 in areas west of the Euphrates River. The operation later expanded east of the river with the participation of tribal forces, leading to all of the territories previously occupied by the group coming under government control.

Last week, Syrian forces took control of the strategic al-Tanf military base near the border with Iraq and Jordan following the withdrawal of a long-standing U.S. troop presence. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials have acknowledged that it was an orderly pullout long in planning. Al-Tanf was established at the height of Syrian civil war, a time when Daesh emerged as a major threat in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled a drawdown of U.S. troops in Syria though no full pullout was considered for a long time.

Though official figures are not available, Al-Jazeera reported that the size of the U.S. deployment in Syria significantly declined last year. Currently, 900 troops are in Syria, according to a report from last week.

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Regional issues top the agenda of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he leaves for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday. On Tuesday, Erdoğan will fly to Ethiophia from Abu Dhabi, his second stopover. Both visits will combine Erdoğan’s diplomatic efforts for regional stability with Ankara’s efforts to enhance bilateral ties in the Gulf and Africa.

In the UAE, where he will hold talks with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with bilateral relations, Erdoğan will discuss diplomacy to end humanitarian drama in Gaza, steps for recovery of the Palestinian enclave and second stage of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Both countries support the plan. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted on Saturday Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for Administration of Gaza. Fidan last month joined counterparts and heads of state as they came together for formal launch of the Board of Peace proposed by Trump.

Since 2023, Türkiye prioritized ending the conflict in Gaza, specifically the genocide by Israel, which has claimed more than 70,000 Palestinian lives. Ankara has joined almost all international initiatives to stop the bloodshed and is among main opponents of Israel which enjoys international support. As a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas holds despite Israel’s repeated, lethal violations, the international community strives to move forward the recovery initiative in the enclave which is a pale shade of itself after relentless Israel attacks that razed residential buildings to the ground all across the city.

Erdoğan is also expected to raise the issue of stability and development in Syria, which was liberated from oppressive Baathist regime in 2024. The president will highlight the need to support the new Syrian administration during his UAE visit, Turkish media outlets reported over the weekend. In addition, he will discuss the importance of territorial integrity of Yemen and Somalia. The UAE joined an international coalition in 2015 against Houthi rebels but recent developments demonstrate that the coalition, which included Saudi Arabia, has fractured. A group supported by the UAE launched an offensive against the government supported by Saudi Arabia last December.

Somalia’s territorial integrity also matters for Türkiye, which is a major partner of Mogadishu, especially in the wake of Israel’s controversial recognition of breakaway Somaliland. Ankara has joined other countries to condemn the recognition by its major foe in the Middle East which looks to expand its footprint in Africa, where Türkiye also emerged as a key actor in past two decades under the leadership of President Erdoğan.

The president visited Riyadh and Cairo earlier this month, prompting speculation that Türkiye took side of the UAE rival Saudi Arabia amid the growing regional rivalry. Erdoğan’s visit on Monday is expected to dispel these rumors. Although Ankara had relatively strained relations with both countries in the past decade, ties were improved in the past two years, thanks to Türkiye’s pragmatic diplomacy. Erdoğan’s July 2023 visit to the UAE marked a new milestone in relations as two countries decided to set up a high-level strategic council, essentially recognizing each other as strategic partners. Since then, commercial relations between the two countries significantly increased. Sheikh Mohammed was guest of Erdoğan last July for co-chairing the first meeting of the council, after Erdoğan’s last visit to his country in February 2024.

The UAE is Türkiye’s biggest trade partner in the Gulf and bilateral trade volume was about $16 billion in 2024. The two countries aim to increase it to $20 billion in short term and $40 billion in the medium term.

Türkiye and the UAE laid the foundation for a comprehensive economic partnership deal during Erdoğan’s 2022 visit to Abu Dhabi and the deal came into force in September 2023, strengthening commercial deals. The two countries implemented new customs regulations for tax discounts, boosting commercial momentum in defense industry, energy, logistics, real estate and technology. The UAE was the fourth country with most Turkish exports last year.

The UAE is also the seventh country with most investments in Türkiye. Türkiye hosts more than 300 companies with Emirati capital, mostly concentrated on real estate, energy, banking, logistics and agriculture.

Ties with Ethiopia

Erdoğan’s visit to Ethiopia will affirm Ankara’s commitment to peace between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu. Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland for use of ports and access to sea has triggered a crisis with Somalia. In 2025, Türkiye stepped in and helped two countries sign the Ankara Declaration, by hosting their leaders in the Turkish capital, de-escalating tensions in the region.

Türkiye and Ethiopia boosted their trade volume in 2025, with a 5% increase. Their trade volume currently stands at $253 million. Türkiye is among four major investors in the African country.

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A joint report by the Turkish Parliament’s National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Committee will be further discussed this week at Parliament. The report on the terror-free Türkiye initiative includes legislative proposals for the next steps for the disarmament of the PKK terrorist group.

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, who also serves as chair of the committee, brought together representatives of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the New Path Group the previous week to discuss the report. This week, he invited representatives of the New Welfare Party (YRP), the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Labor Party (EMEP), the Workers’ Party (TIP) and the Free Cause Party (HÜDA-PAR) for discussions. None of the parties have parliamentary group though they contributed to the committee.

The committee is viewed as instrumental in advancing the terror-free Türkiye initiative, which was so far confined to unilateral moves by the PKK. The terrorist group complied with its jailed ringleader Abdullah Öcalan’s call for dissolution last year. It started abandoning weapons and withdrawing from Türkiye in 2025 but fate of its members remain unclear. The committee is expected to tackle this issue through the report, which will serve as a guide for lawmakers for new bills and amendments.

Legislative steps are a tricky issue as authorities strive to clarify that it would not provide impunity to the PKK, which has killed tens of thousands of people in Türkiye since 1980s. Nevertheless, the DEM Party, linked to the PKK, advocates that the terrorist group’s members should benefit from the initiative in exchange for laying down arms.

So-called “return home laws” are expected to be included in the final version of the report, cover sentencing or non-prosecution for members of the PKK involved or not involved in acts of terrorism if they return to Türkiye. The PKK is currently based in northern Iraq, while its wings are active in Syria and Iran as well. A report by the Sabah newspaper says the return of PKK members to Türkiye would be subject to intense scrutiny and even those without a criminal record would be subject to legal proceedings once they return to Türkiye. Those not involved in crimes while working for the PKK will be released with judiciary control after they testify, the newspaper reported.

Efkan Ala, acting chair of the AK Party, says problems may arise in resolving such “a significant problem.” “We have to be careful against provocation. There may be some delays but we have no hesitation in the course of (solution). We resolve every new issue and move forward,” he told Demirören News Agency (DHA) on Sunday.

Ala, a former interior minister, was part of efforts in a similar initiative conducted by the government more than a decade ago. Most recently, he joined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he received a delegation from the DEM Party who was tasked with relaying messages of Öcalan from prison to the public and Parliament.

“Important developments are underway and the initiative moves on the right path. This problem will be resolved just the way we desired,” he said.

He stated that they expected the parliamentary report to be made public in the coming days. “We have no issues related to dialogue. A mechanism was set up to resolve any issues related to the initiative. Our citizens should be rest assured,” he said.

The terror-free Türkiye initiative launched by government ally MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli involves full disarmament of the PKK terrorist group. The PKK is responsible for the killing of tens of thousands of people since the 1980s in its campaign of violence, under the pretext of founding a self-styled “Kurdish state” in southeastern Türkiye. Disarming the PKK is a highly divisive issue for Türkiye, although opinion polls show the public supports the initiative. Critics of the plan claim it is a betrayal of victims of PKK terrorism and portray it as a bargaining process with the PKK. Authorities, however, deny that any negotiations for disarmament are out of the question.

In a speech at Parliament earlier this month, Erdoğan stated that the People’s Alliance of the AK Party and the MHP worked in solidarity, within the same strategy and tactics, “acting with courage at critical turning points.”

He said that the parliamentary report will be approved with “constructive contribution of political parties.”

“After the report is released, political institutions will have a greater responsibility. The AK Party will act responsibly in this process, and we will be more constructive, more embracing. We won’t avoid taking risks,” he said, adding that at the same time, they would not overshadow the memory of martyrs died (in counterterrorism operations).

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Recently, discussions over the potential participation of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in a possible Gaza Task Force, coupled with ministry officials’ repeated emphasis that the TSK is “ready for duty anytime, anywhere,” have brought renewed attention to Türkiye’s previous and ongoing missions across the world.

“A country’s foreign policy is effective when its elements of national power are strong and act in coordination. Among these elements, military power serves as a source of deterrence and influence in external affairs. The scope and impact of a country’s foreign policy are often shaped by the effectiveness and reach of its military capability,” a professor and military strategist, Ali Fuat Gökçe told Daily Sabah.

Throughout the years, the TSK have operated alongside other militaries in a spirit of solidarity and coordination, carrying out cross-border operations and contributing to the success of NATO missions through training, discipline and modern equipment.

Gökçe stated that Türkiye has significantly bolstered its military capabilities in recent years through domestically developed defense systems, strengthening both its deterrent posture and its leverage in foreign policy across key regions, including Syria, the Caucasus, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.

“In what Ankara considers strategically important, such as Somalia, Libya and tensions between Pakistan and India, Türkiye has increasingly emerged not as a passive participant in diplomatic processes, but as a proactive actor shaping negotiations and setting the agenda,” he adds.

The TSK has extensive experience in peace support and international missions across multiple regions serving under the mandates of the United Nations, NATO and other international frameworks, earning recognition for professionalism and impartiality.

“Having extensive experience in the establishment and preservation of peace, the Turkish Armed Forces stand ready for any duty to be assigned,” Defense Ministry officials reiterated several times.

Hüseyin Fazla, founder and director of STRASAM and a retired air force brigadier general, noted that: “Türkiye has expanded the profile of the TSK in peacekeeping and stabilization missions. In overseas deployments under NATO, including KFOR in Kosovo, the European Union’s EUFOR mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and United Nations mandates, Turkish forces have operated with increased situational awareness and modern armored vehicles such as the Kirpi and Vuran, enhancing both security and effectiveness in the field.”

Türkiye’s participation in peace support operations dates back to the Korean War in 1950 and has continued in various forms since. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkish forces were deployed in 1994 under U.N. command and later continued their mission under NATO following the Dayton Peace Agreement. Turkish units were tasked with securing safe areas, supporting humanitarian efforts and helping maintain neutrality among Serb, Bosnian and Croat communities.

In Kosovo, Türkiye has participated in the NATO-led KFOR mission since 1999 under a U.N. Security Council mandate. Turkish forces have supported efforts to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment while also providing training assistance to Kosovo security structures.

While arguing the impacts of strong army capabilities, Gökçe also pointed out that “Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that tariffs would be increased on countries purchasing natural gas from Russia, Türkiye has faced no direct countermeasures for maintaining its energy ties with Moscow, which supplies more than 40% of its natural gas needs, and for remaining the only NATO member not to impose sanctions on Russia — a position in part to Ankara’s military strength and broader foreign policy leverage.”

Moreover, Fazla said: “In addition, the operational gains the Turkish Armed Forces have accumulated in overseas missions including cross-border operations in Syria and Iraq as part of counterterrorism efforts amount to a valuable reservoir of ‘know-how’ for allied countries, he said, the expanding body of experience and capabilities has positioned the military not only as a fighting force but increasingly as a center of excellence, with NATO allies turning to it for consultation.

“The adoption of Turkish military doctrine and equipment by foreign personnel trained by the TSK is viewed as playing a critical role in establishing long-term strategic ties between Türkiye and those nations,” he asserted, underlining that Turkish military deployments in Somalia and Qatar, along with advisory activities in Libya, contributed to the reshaping of those countries’ defense architectures.

In Libya, Türkiye has provided training and advisory support to forces aligned with the country’s internationally recognized government. The Turkish Parliament in December 2025 extended the mandate authorizing the deployment of Turkish troops in Libya for an additional two years. Ankara says its presence is based on formal agreements with Libyan authorities and aims to contribute to stability and institutional restructuring.

On the other hand, Fazla also drew attention to the soft power through military channels, noting that at Türkiye’s largest overseas military base, TURKSOM, Somali forces’ elite “Gorgor” commando units have been trained to combat the al-Shabab militant group, while Somali officers and noncommissioned officers receive instruction in Turkish and are educated in line with Turkish military doctrine.

“This process lays the groundwork for a decadeslong alignment in strategic thinking between the Somali Armed Forces’ command structure and the Turkish military, he asserted.

Remarking on the modernization of the defense industry and the correlation between operational and political aims, Fazla indicated that the Turkish navy’s presence on the high seas, including counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia and escort missions for seismic research vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean, has enabled Ankara to safeguard its maritime interests not only through diplomatic démarches but through a tangible operational presence.

According to Fazla, “Türkiye’s deployment of an air defense umbrella around Tripoli and the strategic al-Watiya Air Base in Libya was widely described as a landmark demonstration of capability, marking the first time a NATO army established a layered air defense network in the field against Russian- and Chinese-origin aerial platforms, a move that drew attention from allied capitals.”

“Rather than merely showing the flag, Turkish forces now deploy to shape regional dynamics, train and in many cases help restructure host nation militaries, and actively demonstrate domestically produced defense systems in the field,” he concluded.

In addition to ongoing missions in multiple regions, Türkiye has also conducted numerous cross-border operations against the PKK terrorist group and its Syrian branch, the YPG.

The cross-border operations conducted with Iraq’s consent, while others have been justified under the right of hot pursuit and self-defense, including within the framework of a 1984 bilateral security agreement. Since the early 1990s, Ankara has launched a series of operations in northern Iraq – from Operation Steel and Operation Sun to the ongoing Claw operations that began in 2018.

Cross-border campaigns later expanded into northern Syria, including Operations Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, Peace Spring and Spring Shield between 2015 and 2020.

Following Türkiye’s operations in Syria, the country has started a historic opportunity after the fall of the Assad regime with the new government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Ankara has campaigned for the removal of terrorist groups from its southern border for a long time, accusing foreign powers of giving them room in Syria.

Most recently, NATO stages its biggest exercise this year in Germany, with some 10,000 personnel from 11 countries. Türkiye, which has the defense body’s second-largest army, dispatched 2,000 personnel for Steadfast Dart 2026, which began last week. The exercise, which will continue until Feb. 20, aims to showcase NATO’s ability to deploy rapidly and conduct complex operations, the body said in a statement earlier this month.

It is the first time that Türkiye sent so many troops to Northern Europe, though the country is a major component of NATO at a time of heightened defense worries in Europe.

Bulgaria’s former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said strengthening ties with Türkiye is strategically vital for regional peace and stability.

“Nowadays, the world is eager for peace. For us, the partnership with Türkiye is extremely important … of establishing peace,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA).

He noted that both countries are engaged in diplomatic initiatives tied to the Middle East.

“So I think that with Türkiye, we are a very good example of how the partnership between neighboring countries can facilitate and promote the peace process in the world,” he added.

‘Two-speed’ EU not a threat to European integrity

Addressing discussions around a “two-speed” Europe, he said the initiative has largely been misunderstood and relates mainly to capital market integration rather than political divisions within the bloc.

European leaders proposed a “two-speed union” as the quickest way to overcome the political deadlock blocking key economic reforms aimed at reviving the European economy.

“This initiative, I think that, is not very well understood,” he said, explaining that countries ready to participate in simplifying and enlarging capital markets could move ahead, while others could join later.

He stressed that participation depends on readiness, not differences between member states, adding that the approach “is a very particular issue that would not bother the European integrity and the European Union at home.”

Turning to the Middle East, Zhelyazkov said Bulgaria maintains relations with both Israel and Palestine and believes balanced engagement can help ease tensions.

“Both states are very important to … mitigate all hostile narratives that exist because we need to establish peace and to promote the peace,” he said.

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Türkiye on Wednesday strongly rejected “baseless allegations” contained in resolutions adopted by the European Parliament, criticizing the move as misguided and harmful to efforts aimed at improving Türkiye-EU relations.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said it categorically rejected claims targeting Türkiye in resolutions passed on Feb. 12, including one addressing the situation in northeast Syria.

The ministry said the resolution on Syria disregards Türkiye’s role in supporting the country’s recovery and stabilization, urging the European Parliament to better understand the realities on the ground and the aspirations of the Syrian people instead of adopting what it called ill-intentioned positions.

Ankara also dismissed allegations concerning freedom of expression and religion raised in a separate resolution titled “Targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye,” saying the claims contradict the facts.

The ministry stressed that no foreign institution, including the European Parliament, has the authority to interfere in judicial proceedings conducted in Türkiye.

The statement further warned that such resolutions undermine the spirit of ongoing efforts to enhance ties between Ankara and Brussels.

Calling for a more constructive approach, the Foreign Ministry urged the European Parliament to contribute positively to Türkiye-EU relations rather than being “instrumentalized” against Türkiye or attempting to interfere in its internal affairs.

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