Türkiye to restructure Syrian army through military training agreement

Türkiye is set to play a pivotal role in rebuilding the Syrian armed forces, following the signing of a military training and advisory agreement between Ankara and Damascus.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) will provide Syrian soldiers with advanced infantry and commando training identical to the rigorous programs administered to Turkish troops, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Under the agreement, Syrian soldiers will be deployed to Türkiye to undergo formal instruction led by TAF personnel. Upon completing the initial courses, trainees will continue their military education under Turkish supervision within Syria. The agreement also outlines plans to establish military academies and non-commissioned officer (NCO) schools in Syria, modeled after similar structures Türkiye previously implemented in Somalia and Libya.

Reserved quotas will enable Syrian military cadets and NCOs to attend Turkish war colleges and military institutions as part of an integrated training framework.

Initial training operations will be based at a military facility in Serinyol, located in Türkiye’s southern Hatay province. This center has previously served as a training ground for elements of the Syrian opposition. According to reports, soldiers will live, eat, and train within a controlled, closed military environment. The curriculum will mirror that of the Turkish Armed Forces, ensuring consistency in military doctrine and discipline.

The agreement signals a deepening of military cooperation between Ankara and Damascus, potentially marking a new phase in Turkish-Syrian relations. High-level military exchanges are expected to increase, including planned visits by Syrian Navy and Air Force commanders to Türkiye.

Turkish defence sources have indicated that Ankara is ready to establish a joint training center in Syria, contingent on receiving a formal invitation from the Syrian government.

By Vafa Guliyeva