Turkish-Syrian military cooperation in EFES 2026 drills

Turkish-Syrian military cooperation in EFES 2026 drills.. Details of artillery, mortar, and cave warfare training

In a striking development in relations between Ankara and Damascus, the Turkish Ministry of Defense revealed yesterday, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, video footage showing Syrian army elements participating in field training as part of the EFES 2026 military drills hosted by Turkey, in the latest indication of an advanced level of operational coordination between the two countries.

Artillery and mortar training with live ammunition

The footage published by the Turkish Ministry of Defense showed Syrian forces taking part in exercises using heavy artillery and mortar shells, under the direct supervision of the Turkish army.

Official data confirmed that the drills were conducted with live ammunition in combat environments simulating real field conditions, aiming to raise readiness and enhance coordination among participating forces. Alongside the Syrian army, units from Azerbaijan and Albania participated in these drills, according to Anadolu Agency.

Nine countries and 93 soldiers in cave warfare training

In addition to the artillery drills, the Turkish army organized specialized exercises in countering cave, shelter, and tunnel warfare, with the participation of 93 soldiers from 9 countries.

DHA News Agency reported that Syrian forces were present alongside personnel from Azerbaijan, Albania, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and Somalia. The training included scenarios for clearing caves and tunnels using advanced techniques and trained dogs.

Advanced military coordination between Ankara and Damascus

According to experts, the appearance of the Syrian army in drills taking place on Turkish soil represents a qualitative shift from limited security coordination to a broader military partnership.

According to analyses by Yeni Şafak newspaper, the current cooperation includes joint training and exchange of expertise aimed at enhancing the combat efficiency of Syrian forces under direct Turkish supervision.

Specific locations and dates for the drills

The exercises took place at several Turkish military sites, including Narlıdere, Kartal Menteş, and Alankırı. EFES 2026 activities will continue from April 20 to May 21, 2026, concluding with a distinguished observer day featuring live-fire field exercises on May 20 and 21, according to Turkish Ministry of Defense statements.

Regional implications of the declared partnership

Observers believe that the participation of the Syrian army in drills inside Turkey indicates a strategic shift in regional power balances, and could open the door to broader security and military cooperation between the two countries in the coming period, especially amid accelerating changes in the Middle East.

This follows the rapprochement between Ankara and Damascus that began after the political changes in Damascus in late 2024. This path culminated in the signing of a comprehensive military cooperation agreement in August 2025, which established a pivotal role for Ankara in rebuilding Syrian defense capabilities, providing logistical support, and overseeing advanced training programs for the Syrian army, following a series of high-level security meetings.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had warned on April 13, 2026, that Israeli attacks in Syria represent a “major crisis hotspot” directly threatening Turkish national security.

Fidan explained that Israel is currently refraining from taking steps toward Syria due to its preoccupation with the war against Iran, but warned that it will move to implement its plans when the time is right. The Turkish minister accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to declare Turkey as his new enemy, stating that Israel cannot live without enemies after Iran.

Related topics:

Uganda demands $1 billion from Turkey and offers 100,000 soldiers to protect Israel

Turkey in Syria | Fidan: “Our work has just begun”