Turkey says its forces will remain in Syria and Iraq until borders are secured
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said Turkish troops will stay in Iraq and Syria until the governments deem border security satisfactory.
Turkey's defence minister, Yaşar Güler, affirmed that Turkish forces will continue operating in Iraq and Syria until the countries consider their borders fully secure. In a written response to one outlet, he said the deployment will be reassessed once the necessary regional security conditions are met. The statement reflects Turkey's earlier campaigns that pushed YPG and Daesh out of northern Syria and targeted the PKK in Iraq, which the government claims is now dissolving under the 2024 terror-free Türkiye initiative.
The key Bashiqa-Zilkan base in Iraq is expected to be transferred to Iraqi control, a move coinciding with the U.S. pullout from the region. Ankara stresses that the handover does not end its security cooperation with Iraq. The announcement was made after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed the issue in New York during the UN General Assembly.
Why it matters
Turkey's continued military presence affects regional stability and the security dynamics of the Middle East.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report Turkey's defence minister saying forces will stay in Syria and Iraq until border security is secured, with minor variations in added context.
LEFT
Turkey will keep forces in Syria and Iraq until border security and regional stability are fully restored, linking the deployment to eliminating PKK and ISIL threats and establishing state authority.
CENTER
Turkey will maintain its military presence in Syria and Iraq until border security with its neighbours is fully ensured, as stated by the defence minister.
RIGHT
Turkey will retain forces in Syria and Iraq until borders are secure, highlighting the 2024 terror-free Türkiye initiative and noting the upcoming handover of a key base alongside the U.S. pullout.
The left emphasises
- retaining forces until border security and regional stability are restored
- eradication of PKK and ISIL threats
- establishment of state authority across Syria
The right emphasises
- forces will stay until borders are fully secure
- reference to the 2024 terror-free Türkiye initiative
- handing over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base as the U.S. pulls out
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