The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the participation of the Syrian army as a basic unit in the "IFS 2026" military exercises in western Turkey, in its first training appearance outside its national borders.
During the ministry's weekly press conference on Wednesday, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, Counselor Zeki Akturk, confirmed that Syria is officially participating in the ongoing "IFS 2026" exercises in western Turkey.
The Turkish Ministry revealed that the Syrian army is engaged in these exercises with a basic military unit, stressing that Turkish training support to the Syrian forces will continue continuously during the next phase, pointing out at the same time that these activities represent the first time that Syrian army elements have participated in military maneuvers outside Syrian territory.
The spokesman explained that the Turkish forces continue to conduct these exercises to raise the level of operational compatibility with friendly and allied countries, enhance coordination capabilities and contribute to regional security, pointing out that the maneuvers are taking place in two phases: the first at the command center with the help of computer systems, and the second through live-fire training in the Gulf of Izmir and the "Doganbey" shooting range under the command of the Aegean Army.
Libya also participates
The "IFS 2026" exercises are one of the largest joint exercises of the Turkish army, as it includes more than 10,000 members of the Turkish forces, as the Turkish Ministry of Defense revealed the participation of units and observers from 50 countries, including a unified Libyan force participating for the first time under one banner outside its country.
The aim is to test command and control procedures, electronic warfare tactics, and practice in the face of asymmetric threats and hybrid operations.