Turkey is reportedly moving to establish control over Syria’s Tiyas Air Base, commonly known as the T4 Air Base, located in the central province of Homs. This development comes despite recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the facility.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Turkey has initiated efforts to take control of the T4 Air Base and plans to deploy a Hisar-type air defense system to provide air cover for the base. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand Turkey’s military footprint in Syria.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted multiple airstrikes on the T4 Air Base and its surroundings. On March 21, the IDF targeted the Palmyra military airport and the nearby T4 airbase, aiming at “remaining strategic capabilities” at these sites. These strikes are part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter Iranian entrenchment and Hezbollah’s presence in Syria.
Turkey’s move to control the T4 Air Base signifies its intent to play a more prominent role in shaping Syria’s future military landscape. This action could lead to increased tensions with Israel, which has been actively targeting Iranian and Hezbollah positions in Syria to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry.
The establishment of Turkish control over the T4 Air Base may impact negotiations between Syria’s transitional government and regional powers. Discussions have been ongoing regarding defense pacts and the establishment of foreign military bases in Syria, including talks between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
