As conflict in the region is at its height due to Israel’s continued aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, the situation in northwestern Syria is also on the edge, as Turkey signals plans for a new military operation. As a result, the Assad regime has begun to reinforce its positions in the countryside of Aleppo. Recent developments suggest both sides are bracing for a potential confrontation, with Turkey focusing on targeting Kurdish militant groups and the Assad regime shoring up defenses against advances by revolutionary or Turkish-backed factions.
On October 5, 2024, Turkish President Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s intentions to conduct military operations in Syria. “We will complete our work in Syria when the time is right,” Erdogan declared, referring to the ongoing threat posed by Kurdish groups, namely the PKK and the YPG, which are part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These groups, entrenched near Turkey’s southern borders, have long been a security concern for Ankara.
In line with Erdogan’s statement, reports from September 2024 revealed a notable increase in Turkish military presence along the Syrian border. Troop movements and equipment have been mobilized, signaling imminent action. This buildup comes as Turkey continues to push for the creation of a “safe zone” free from Kurdish militias, a key objective of its broader security policy in Syria.
In response to Turkey’s military preparations, the Assad regime has reportedly bolstered its forces in Aleppo, a key region that has seen fluctuating control throughout the Syrian conflict. It has been proposed that the regime is reinforcing positions due to fears of increased clashes with Turkish-backed, or other revolutionary factions operating in the area.
The bolstering of troops by Assad is perceived as a strategic move to fortify the regime’s hold on Aleppo, a region that remains pivotal due to its proximity to the front lines. Regime forces are preparing for potential escalations, as Turkey’s threat of an offensive looms large.
In recent weeks, Aleppo has witnessed heightened violence, with mutual attacks reported between Assad regime forces and factions backed by Turkey. The regime aims to prevent Turkish-backed groups from gaining any ground amidst a possible Turkish offensive.
While Erdogan’s government maintains that its operations in Syria are aimed at “neutralizing terrorist threats,” Damascus views the Turkish presence as “an illegal occupation” and an “infringement on Syrian sovereignty.” The reinforcement of Aleppo underscores the regime’s concerns about losing control over strategic areas.
