It graced the headlines of pro-government media: They called for sending the army to Damascus!

A significant development has occurred in Syria following 13 years of civil war. The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced in a statement on July 23 that the Damascus administration had requested support from Turkey to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations. In its statement, the Ministry indicated that, in line with this request, Turkey would provide training, consultancy, and technical support aimed at increasing Syria's defense capacity.

The statement from MSB sources included the following: "Official support has been requested from Turkey by the Syrian administration within the scope of strengthening its defense capacity and combating all terrorist organizations, primarily ISIS. Turkey has set as its primary goal to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity, and to lead efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the region."

PRO-GOVERNMENT MEDIA SAYS "THE TURKISH SOLDIER'S MISSION TO DAMASCUS"

Following this announcement by the MSB, the pro-government newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi carried the headline, "Turkey's peace begins in Syria! The countdown has begun for the Turkish soldier's mission to Damascus." The newspaper featured an interview with international law expert Associate Professor Dr. Hakan Erkiner.

In the interview, Associate Professor Dr. Hakan Erkiner emphasized that the support Turkey will provide to Syria is an international right and a critical step for Turkey's security. Erkiner stated, "Those who ask, 'What is Turkey doing in Syria?' are actually those who want Turkey to experience security vulnerabilities. Just as Israel wants..."

Erkiner expressed that in the past, Turkey did not properly utilize its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, but that it has effectively activated this article with the cross-border operations conducted in recent years. Stating, "By responding to Syria's request for aid, Turkey is exercising an international right, and this step is of vital importance for the country's security," he asserted that this intervention is essential not only for Syria but also for the security of Turkey.

News Source: 12punto