Turkey to maintain military presence in Syria and Iraq

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced on October 20, 2026, that Turkey will continue to maintain its military forces in Syria and Iraq to ensure regional and border security. Guler stated that the status of these military units and bases will only be re-evaluated once the necessary conditions for the safety of Turkish territory are fully met. The minister emphasized that evaluating the mission solely based on the number of deployed personnel is inaccurate, highlighting that the operational structure and stance on the ground are more critical factors.

While the Turkish government has not provided official personnel figures, independent estimates indicate that between 800 and 1,000 soldiers are stationed in Iraq. In Syria, military strength was recorded at approximately 16,000 to 18,000 troops during the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024; however, no verified current figures have been released. Turkey maintains that its presence remains necessary for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and long-term border stability. Guler also noted the importance of close cooperation with the current leadership in Damascus regarding the management of these security zones.