124 Turkish military sites in Syria, displaced people still unable to return

The Turkish occupation of Syrian territory continues through hundreds of sites spread across several areas, while displaced residents of numerous villages, particularly in Afrin and Serê Kaniyê, remain unable to return home because their villages or surrounding areas have been turned into military sites.

According to findings by ANHA agency, based on analytical maps, military statistics and eyewitness accounts, 124 documented Turkish military sites are located inside Syria. These include 12 permanent military bases and 112 smaller military posts and sites.

The Turkish military presence extends across six Syrian governorates, with Aleppo accounting for 56 sites, followed by Idlib with 51. Raqqa has nine sites, Hasakah five, Latakia two and Hama one.

These figures show that most Turkish military bases and posts are concentrated in Aleppo and Idlib, which together host 107 sites, making the two governorates the main area of direct Turkish influence.

Return to Eight Villages Remains Blocked by Turkish Bases

The data also indicates the presence of nine Turkish military sites in Girê Spî and five in Serê Kaniyê. In the latter area, the villages of Bab al-Faraj, al-Dawoudiya, al-Arisha, al-Manakh and al-Amiriya have been turned into military sites, preventing their residents from returning to date.

In Afrin, Turkish forces withdrew from the villages of Basila and Jih after maintaining military sites there for more than eight years. However, Turkish military control continues in three villages — Jilbara, Darwish and Sheikh Khoroz al-Fawqani — where residents remain barred from returning.

This means that eight villages in Afrin and Serê Kaniyê alone remain under control of Turkish military forces. Other villages have also been affected by Turkish bases, including Sheikh Nasser and Sheikh Aqil in the al-Bab area east of Aleppo.

Meanwhile, displaced families continue to hope for a return to their areas, the recovery of their homes and land, and a safe return for thousands of Syrians.

Extension of Turkey’s Military Presence in Syria

In a related development, the Turkish parliament approved a presidential motion in October 2025 to extend the mandate authorizing the deployment of Turkish forces in Syria and Iraq for three years from the end of October, keeping the authorization in effect until 2028.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has stated in media remarks that there is no timetable for withdrawal. He said the decision to remain or withdraw would depend on Ankara’s “assessment of national security requirements and stability in the region.”

Separately, reports emerged that Turkey was considering establishing a new military base inside Syria to train the Syrian army. According to multiple sources, the proposal was discussed during a February 2025 meeting in Ankara between transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

However, no official, final agreement on establishing joint Turkish military bases in Syria has been announced. Turkish officials have previously described reports about such bases as remaining at the preliminary discussion stage.

Israel Draws Red Lines Over Turkish Bases

Israel rejected reports about the possible establishment of new Turkish bases in Syria. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that the presence of any Turkish military bases in Syria constituted a red line that could not be crossed.

In an article published by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Sa'ar said Tel Aviv's position stemmed from its determination to prevent a repeat in Syria of what it described as Iran's expansion of its influence into Lebanon and Gaza, this time involving Turkey.

Israel's opposition was subsequently reflected on the ground when Israeli forces carried out eight airstrikes against Abu al-Duhur Air Base, targeting its runway and storage depots. The attack was described as the first Israeli strike against Syrian government assets since March.

Commenting on the incident, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Syria had been on the “verge” of violating an “agreed status quo with Israel on security matters” by allowing Turkish forces to be deployed at the air base.

“Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security, and Syria chose to ignore these warnings,” the office said.

The issue of Turkish military bases has thus become a source of both regional and domestic contention. Regionally, it has opened the door to further foreign intervention; domestically, it obstructs efforts to resolve internal displacement and facilitate the safe return of a large number of Syrians.

ANHA