Turkey Plans Military Support, Saudi $4B Investment in Post-Assad Syria

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought military and defense assistance from Turkey to combat terrorist groups, including ISIS, and to stabilize the country amid ongoing sectarian violence. Turkey has pledged to provide training, advisory, and technical support, positioning itself as a key regional player aiming to uphold Syria’s territorial integrity while navigating complex relations with Israel, which has launched airstrikes in support of Druze groups against government forces. Turkish officials emphasize preventing Syria’s fragmentation, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signaling readiness for military intervention if Syria’s unity is threatened, mainly to counter Kurdish and Israeli aims. These developments come amid escalating conflict between Druze and Bedouin tribes in Sweida province, which has drawn international involvement including a US-brokered ceasefire and Israeli strikes targeting Syrian government infrastructure. Additionally, cooperation between Turkey and Syria is expanding into disaster management and regional emergency response, indicating broader bilateral engagement beyond military matters. Overall, Turkey’s role in post-Assad Syria is evolving from supporting rebel groups to actively shaping the new regime’s defense capabilities and regional stability.