In a significant move to deepen ties with Damascus, Turkey has agreed to provide weapons systems, logistical support, and military training to the Syrian armed forces under a new cooperation deal, a Turkish Defense Ministry source confirmed on Thursday.

The agreement marks a major step in Ankara’s growing alliance with Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year. As a NATO member, Turkey has positioned itself as a key supporter of Syria, offering to help restructure its military and enhance its defense capabilities.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), finalized after months of negotiations involving foreign and defense ministers as well as intelligence chiefs from both countries, establishes a framework for expanded military collaboration.

A Turkish Defense Ministry official stated that the deal aims to “coordinate and plan military training and cooperation, provide consultancy, share information and expertise, and ensure the procurement of military equipment, weapon systems, logistical materials, and related services.”

The agreement comes amid rising frustration in Ankara over stalled progress in a March deal between Damascus and the Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which was intended to integrate the SDF into Syria’s state security apparatus. According to the Turkish source, the SDF has failed to meet its obligations under the agreement, leading to recent clashes between SDF fighters and Syrian government forces.

Tensions further escalated after an SDF-organized conference called for a revision of Syria’s constitutional declaration, drawing sharp criticism from Ankara. “Our expectation is full compliance with the agreement that was signed and its urgent implementation in the field,” the Turkish source warned, hinting at potential further measures if the SDF continues resisting integration.