Türkiye denies reports of troop withdrawal from northern Syria posts

2026-01-29 - 13:10

The Turkish government has issued a firm denial of reports circulating about a reduction of its military presence in northern Syria. Officials from the Ministry of National Defense stated on Thursday that claims of a withdrawal from the Peace Spring region are categorically untrue. Official Denial and Warning Against Disinformation Sources within the Ministry explicitly rejected the reports, stating, "Reports claiming that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have withdrawn from some areas of the Peace Spring region are not true." They emphasized that the military "continues its activities in the region in coordination with the Syrian government." The ministry sources went further, warning the public about what they described as "deliberate disinformation" and urging citizens to rely solely on official statements for accurate information regarding military and security matters. Context of Turkish Operations in Northern Syria Türkiye maintains a significant military footprint in several areas of northern Syria, established through a series of cross-border operations launched since 2016. These operations—Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019)—were conducted with stated objectives of clearing the border region of terrorist groups, primarily the YPG/PKK and ISIS, to prevent the formation of what Ankara calls a "terror corridor" along its southern border. The operations also aimed to establish security zones to facilitate the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure the safety of local residents. The Peace Spring region specifically refers to territory captured east of the Euphrates River in the 2019 operation. Strategic Significance and Current Coordination The denial underscores the strategic importance Türkiye places on maintaining its military positions in northern Syria. These forward posts serve as a buffer zone, a line of defense against perceived threats from terrorist organizations, and a leverage point in the complex Syrian civil war. The mention of coordination with the Syrian government is notable, reflecting evolving dynamics on the ground where Türkiye and the Syrian regime, despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, have engaged in diplomatic and security talks, often with Russian mediation, to manage their shared border and address mutual security concerns. The statement aims to quell speculation and affirm Türkiye's continued commitment to its security objectives in the region.