AiBotBEIRUT, LEBANON – In a surprising move, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has released footage of its troops participating in Turkey’s annual EFES-2026 exercises, held earlier this month in northwestern Turkey. The exercises, reportedly one of the largest joint military exercises hosted by Turkey in recent years, have drawn significant attention from regional observers and strategic analysts.
The released footage, shot from a helicopter, depicts SAA troops in full battle gear marching alongside their Turkish counterparts, with tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery units in the background. According to eyewitnesses, the exercises involved thousands of soldiers from both countries, with the Syrian forces making up a significant contingent of the participating units.
EFES-2026, a biennial exercise that started in 2015, aims to improve interoperability and communication between Turkish and allied forces, as well as test military capabilities in a live environment. This year’s edition brought together military units from several countries, including NATO member states, to participate in a series of complex military operations.
Regional analysts suggest that the Syrian Arab Army’s participation in the exercises may be part of Damascus’s efforts to strengthen ties with Ankara, despite ongoing tensions in the region. In recent years, Turkey has maintained its support for various rebel groups operating against the Assad regime in Syria, a policy that has strained relations between the two countries.
However, following the Syrian government’s recent gains on the ground, particularly in the southern province of Daraa, there are indications of a shift in Turkey’s stance on the conflict. Turkish officials have hinted at a willingness to engage with the Assad regime, sparking speculation about the potential normalization of relations between the two nations.
Commenting on the SAA’s participation in EFES-2026, a military analyst with close ties to Turkish officials said, “This move suggests that Turkey is reassessing its priorities in the region, particularly in light of the growing Russian presence in Syria.” He noted that the exercises provided a valuable opportunity for the SAA and Turkish forces to build trust and develop tactical capabilities.
The Syrian government has maintained its stance that the Assad regime remains committed to maintaining security and stability in the region, with a view to eventual reconstruction and development. While the release of the footage has sparked curiosity about the future of Syria-Turkey relations, one thing is clear – the SAA’s participation in EFES-2026 has demonstrated the complexities and nuances of the regional dynamics at play.