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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – In a significant move marking a new era of military cooperation, Syrian Arab Army troops have made their debut in an overseas military exercise alongside forces from nearly 50 countries, including NATO members, at Turkey’s EFES-2026. The event marks the first time Syrian troops have participated in such an international event since the fall of the Assad government.
The EFES-2026 military exercise kicked off May 15th in Izmir, Turkey, with the participation of 49 nations, including NATO member states, underlining the importance of regional security and cooperation. The exercise will focus on joint operational training, the exchange of military expertise, and enhancing interoperability among participating forces.
Syrian Arab Army troops arrived in Turkey for the exercise under a bilateral agreement between the governments of Turkey and Syria. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition back to regional partnerships following years of international isolation.
“This unprecedented cooperation demonstrates Turkey’s continued commitment to regional security and stability, as well as its commitment to strengthening existing partnerships with international allies,” said a senior Turkish government official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the Syrian delegation, led by General Fahad Al-Fares Al-Sadda, Commander of the Syrian Arab Army’s 9th Regional Command, was involved in high-level talks with the Turkish military prior to their participation in the exercise.
The decision to participate stems from Syria’s efforts to rebuild and re-engage with the international community following years of conflict. As Syria gradually returns to regional security forums, experts speculate that this move could signal the country’s bid to join regional alliances such as the Organisation of Turkic States.
During the exercise, participating forces will engage in a series of tactical scenarios, including joint counter-terrorism operations, search and rescue drills, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises. According to the Turkish General Staff, the EFES-2026 exercise aims to foster trust and understanding between participating nations, with a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of combined operations and emergency response efforts.
The participation of Syrian Arab Army troops in the exercise is a testament to Turkey’s ability to facilitate complex international collaborations in the pursuit of regional security. The success of EFES-2026 is set to serve as a benchmark for increased cooperation between nations as they navigate an ever-changing global security landscape. With this historic development, the potential for further diplomatic engagements between Turkey and Syria may be imminent.