20,000 troops ready to act - Turkey creates a new threat

Turkey is deploying more than 20,000 military personnel in Syria and is involved in rebuilding the Syrian army, creating a new threat to Israel. Ankara is providing Damascus with military advisers, training, armored vehicles, and weapons, including Bayraktar drones. Syria plans to increase its army from 100,000 to 200,000 troops over five years. Israel, which previously destroyed 85% of Syria's military capability, now faces Turkey filling the vacuum, which could complicate Israeli air operations.

Turkey is deploying more than 20,000 military and security personnel in northwestern Syria, according to Arab News, as cited by Israeli media. The contingent is equipped with modern technology, logistics, air support, and air defense systems. Ankara is also involved in shaping the new Syrian army, providing advisers, training, communications equipment, armored vehicles, and weapons, including Bayraktar drones. Syria plans to increase its army from 100,000 to 200,000 troops over five years and integrate about 130 armed groups. For Israel, this means a shift in the balance of power: after the fall of Assad, the IDF destroyed more than 85% of Syria's military capability, but now Turkey is filling the vacuum. The expansion of the Turkish presence and the possible deployment of new air defense systems could complicate the freedom of action of Israeli aircraft. The agreement between Ankara and Damascus, signed in August 2025, covers training, counterterrorism, cyber defense, and logistics. Turkey is also increasing its economic influence by investing in transportation and energy.