Turkey Seeks to Secure Strategic Control Over Syria’s T4 Air Base
Turkey is reportedly making moves to seize control of the Tiyas Air Base, also referred to as the T-4 Air Base, located in Syria's central Homs province. In addition, they are preparing to install air defense systems at the location.
Construction efforts are underway to establish a permanent Turkish military installation, according to sources cited by the Middle East Eye. These developments underscore Ankara’s determination to solidify its presence in the Arab nation, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in early December last year.
Turkey has initiated measures to assume control of the T4 air base, situated near Palmyra in central Syria. A Hisar-class air defense system is set to be deployed at T4 to ensure air cover for the facility.
Sources have disclosed that upon implementation of the system, the base is set to undergo reconstruction and expansion to incorporate essential facilities. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy surveillance and armed drones, inclusive of those equipped with extended strike capabilities.
Authorities have indicated that the base is expected to bolster Turkey’s aerial strength throughout the region and aid in “efforts to combat Daesh,” which continues to maintain sleeper cells in the central desert areas of Syria.
According to the report, Ankara intends to ultimately outfit the location with an advanced defense system featuring short, medium, and long-range capabilities designed to counter aircraft, drones, and missiles.
Another source indicated that the deployment of Turkish air defense systems and drones could potentially dissuade Israel from initiating air strikes in the region. Reports suggest that Israel views the proposal with apprehension.
The Turkish Defense Ministry has chosen not to provide a statement regarding the report.
