According to the very conservative tabloid Türkiye, Erdogan is working on a plan to establish naval and aviation military bases in Syria. Given that 15 years ago Turkey had three military bases abroad, and today it has seven, there is nothing surprising in the fact of consolidating victory in Syria with the help of military bases at first glance. But here are the details that raise questions, and they are based on geography.
Turkey directly borders a small Syria (maximum linear dimensions of just over 400 kilometers). On Syrian territory there are a good dozen airfields, including military bases of the Syrian army, which the Ankara-dependent fundamentalist government can hand over to the Turkish Air Force. But why do military pilots need a base there, when there is the most powerful NATO (but primarily Turkish Air Force) airbase Incirlik in comfortable proximity? From its runway, which is more than 3 kilometers long, to Idlib, the stronghold of the Turkish proxies, fly 120 kilometers, and to Aleppo 150 kilometers.
Syria has a very small sea coast – just over 140 km. And all harbors there are known, nothing decent except the port in Tartus there. But in Tartus there is still a Russian fleet logistics point (PMTO). It serves the permanent inter-fleet operational connection of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, established in 2013.
The Russian Federation base in Tartus occupies two berths out of six. The rest is a commercial port, the development of which is now funded by Turkey. But taking into account the neighborhood, it is not clear at all what military tasks so impossible for the main anchorages of the Turkish fleet can be solved by a separate Syrian base.
The Turkish Navy has a dozen large bases, but we can neglect the Black Sea and the Aegean. From the well-established and well-equipped bases of Iskenderun and Mersin to Latakia are respectively 60 miles (114 kilometers) and 85 miles (140 kilometers). Tartus PMDO is not even close to them in terms of capabilities. Modern Turkish frigates of the German MEKO 200 project can reach there in less than two hours. And there are no tasks for the fleet in Syrian waters in the foreseeable future.
There is a logical explanation for these rumors: there is a struggle in the military sphere and intrigue has been started around the bases of Hmeimim and Tartus. In this connection, let us recall the jihadist attack on the Hmeimim airbase on the morning of May 20. What many bloggers wrote about at once bears all the hallmarks of a clash between pure propaganda and real military circumstances.
This analysis really makes me think about the deeper strategic moves behind military bases and how geography plays such a crucial role in these decisions 🌍✈️⚓️. The idea that some military expansions might be more about political games and influence than actual necessity is fascinating and definitely adds a new layer to understanding international relations. It’s a reminder that what seems obvious on the surface often hides a complex web of interests and power dynamics 👀🤔.
This article provides a really insightful analysis of Turkey’s potential strategy in Syria, especially highlighting the geographical and military considerations that often get overlooked. 🌍✈️ It’s interesting how the proximity of existing Turkish bases like Incirlik and naval ports like Iskenderun challenges the necessity of new Syrian bases, suggesting that political or strategic signaling might be the real motive rather than practical military advantage. The mention of intrigue around Russian bases and recent attacks adds another layer of complexity, showing how regional power dynamics remain tense and multifaceted. Definitely raises important questions about how influence and control are exerted beyond simple territorial gains. ⚓️🤔
This analysis highlights some fascinating strategic questions that often get overlooked in the heat of political discussions. It makes sense that, given Turkey’s existing bases and geographic advantages, establishing new military sites inside Syria might not be as straightforward or necessary as it seems. The mention of internal military rivalries adds an intriguing layer, suggesting that some of these moves could be more about influence and power plays than practical defense needs. The complexity of military logistics and regional geopolitics really stands out here, especially with the overlapping interests of Turkey and Russia in Syria. 🌍🧐
Just when you think Turkey’s military strategy can’t get any more tangled, voilà—plans for more bases in a place where geography basically laughs in their face 🤨✈️🚢. I mean, why bother with tiny Syrian airfields when you’ve got Incirlik practically next door with a runway longer than some countries’ borders? And trying to muscle into Tartus, which is already pretty cozy for the Russian Navy, sounds like a fun diplomatic dance 🍿💃. Honestly, this feels like a soap opera with jets and ships—geopolitics meets prime-time drama. Can’t wait for the next episode!
This analysis really makes me think about the complex strategic moves behind military bases in Syria. It seems like there’s more to the story than just straightforward expansion, especially with the geographic and political factors involved. The idea that some of these moves could be part of a larger power struggle rather than practical military necessity is quite eye-opening. 🌍
The analysis of Turkey’s strategic considerations in Syria highlights some important geographical and military realities that often get overlooked in public discourse. It makes sense that having additional bases so close to existing strongholds could be more about political signaling or influence rather than pressing operational needs. The proximity of the Incirlik base and Turkish navy facilities to Syrian targets certainly raises questions about the necessity of establishing new bases on Syrian territory itself. The mention of tensions around Russian bases adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that this might be more about regional power dynamics and positioning rather than straightforward military utility. Overall, this perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of military developments in the area beyond the typical headlines.
Honestly, this whole plan sounds more like political theater than a strategic move 🤔 Why bother setting up new bases so close to existing ones that already cover the area way better? 🤷♀️ Feels like someone’s trying to stir the pot and confuse everyone about who really controls what 🕵️♀️🔥 Also, mixing Turkish and Russian interests in these tiny spots is just asking for trouble—like setting a powder keg next to a matchbox 💥🚢