Turkish Forces Taking Over Syria Airbase Worrying Israel

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JERUSALEM/DAMASCUS (Worthy News) -Turkey’s military rushed to take over Syria’s Tiyas air base, also known as T4, to deter Israeli strikes in Syria, well-informed Arabic sources confirmed Tuesday.

The move by Turkish forces was also intended to step up attacks against the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, well-informed sources announced.

Ankara and Damascus have been negotiating a defense pact since December following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“The agreement would see Turkey provide air cover and military protection for Syria’s new government, which currently lacks a functioning military,” reported the well-informed Middle East Eye (MEE) online news service.

Turkey eventually aims to establish “a layered air defense system in and around the base, which would have short-, medium- and long-range air defense capabilities against a variety of threats, from jets to drones to missiles,” MEE added.

However, Israel reportedly views Turkey’s military presence in Syria as a potential threat amid ongoing tensions between Jerusalem and Ankara.

‘ZIONIST ISRAEL’

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly called for the destruction of “Zionist Israel,” seen as code words for Jews and their nation.

“We see what is happening in Palestine. May Allah destroy Zionist Israel in his holy name,” Erdogan was heard saying in comments monitored by Worthy News.

He spoke after visiting a mosque to mark the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the end of what Muslims view as the “holy month” of Ramadan.

“We must see what is happening there [in Israel], and therefore, we must unite, be strong, and be brothers here. May Allah always strengthen our unity,” Erdogan added.

Yet Ankara claims it aims “to stabilize” Syria, which borders Israel, by leveraging its military capabilities. Turkish officials say that Turkey seeks to fill “the power vacuum” in Syria left by the withdrawal of Russia and Iran.

It was not immediately clear whether the move could complicate possible airstrikes by Israel and the United States of Iran over its nuclear program.

Both allies have expressed concern that Tehran has enriched uranium to nearly weapons-grade level. That could bring the Islamic Republic closer to obtaining nuclear weapons, according to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

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