As fighting increases between Israel and Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah, both US and Turkish forces in Syria have heightened their readiness to respond to any threats that may arise from the volatile situation. As Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon intensify, the region faces increasing instability, prompting military preparations by key players in the conflict, particularly Turkey and the US.
In recent weeks, Turkey has bolstered its military presence in its Syrian areas of operation, including Idlib, where it maintains a network of observation posts. Turkey has actively reinforced its forces, particularly in the areas of Afrin and parts of Idlib, within the Olive Branch operation zone. This is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to secure its southern border from “any cross-border threats,” especially as the conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies escalates in Lebanon and Syria.
On Thursday, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Selcuk Bayraktar Oglu visited Turkish military installations for inspections and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to confronting any security risks. The Turkish Ministry of Defense later confirmed that its military is “fully prepared to counter all threats to Turkey across its borders,” emphasizing that the situation in Lebanon and Syria “is being closely monitored.”
Zeki Akturk, Public Relations and Media Advisor at the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated during a press briefing that Turkish forces are capable of “eliminating any threats or risks to Turkey and its people.” This statement came in the wake of Turkish President Erdogan’s comments, warning that Turkey could be a potential target as Israel expands its operations in Lebanon. “The Turkish Armed Forces are closely following developments in the region,” Akturk said, adding that the military is using a “multi-dimensional security strategy” to address potential threats.
Meanwhile, the US military, which operates alongside Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, is also on high alert, closely watching the developments in Syria and Lebanon. The US is maintaining communication with its allies in the region, including Israel, to ensure coordination against any security threats that might arise from the growing conflict, and recently helped intercept over a dozen missiles en route to Israel from its base in southern Syria.
Samuel Werberg, regional spokesman for the US State Department, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Tel Aviv’s security while emphasizing the need to prevent a broader regional conflict. “We are in constant contact with our partners in the region, including Israel, to confront current security threats,” Werberg told Syria TV. “Protecting Israel’s security is an essential part of our ongoing commitment to regional stability.”
Werberg also maintained US efforts to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation that could lead to a deterioration of the regional situation,” he said, noting that Washington is “actively coordinating” with the EU, Arab countries, and other “international partners” to prevent Lebanon from slipping into a wider conflict.
The US and its allies are keeping a close eye on developments in this area, particularly in Syria, where Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies operate in close proximity to US and Turkish forces. In areas where Turkey maintains a strong military presence, forces are bracing for potential fallout from the ongoing conflict.
