Is Turkey Forging A Military Alliance With Syria?
Martin McCauley writes: A week ago, on April 27, Turkey and Syria began the first ever joint military exercises on their border. The three day land exercises involved an exchange of units to improve joint training and the ability to work together. More joint exercises in the future are planned. Both countries also signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement to enhance collaboration between their respective defence industries. In Israel, these developments caused deep concern and brought into question the state of military ties with Turkey.The Israeli Minister of Defence referred to the exercises as ‘disturbing’ but thought that his country’s strategic relations would survive intact. Israel has stated that it is monitoring the events very closely to define their purpose and intent. An Israeli source floated the idea that Tel Aviv will scale down its military contacts with Turkey and cease to sell drones and other high tech equipment to Ankara. The Turkish Chief of Staff brushed as
