# Türkiye-Syria security and diplomatic cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trkiye-syria-security-and-diplomatic-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-02T11:19:23.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Following a transition to a new administration in Syria, Türkiye has reported a significant reduction in major security threats along its border. Turkish Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yilmaz, stated that issues including human smuggling, drug trafficking, uncontrolled migration, and terrorism have “suddenly disappeared” since December 2024.

Diplomatic and military cooperation between the two nations continues to expand. On August 30, the Turkish and Syrian armed forces completed the construction of a second floating bridge over the Euphrates River to facilitate transportation between the two banks. 

Regarding regional security, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense has addressed claims concerning the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG), stating that reports of foreign SDG members leaving Syria to enter Türkiye are untrue. The Ministry maintains its focus on supporting a “single state, single army” model and Syria’s territorial integrity. Additionally, the Ministry reported that three PKK members surrendered during the past week.

## Claims

- Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the passenger ship that sank off Girne on August 30. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The bodies of 4 individuals have been recovered so far. (disputed by 4 sources)
- Turkish naval and air forces are assisting in search and rescue operations for a vessel that sank after a collision in the Marmara Sea on September 2. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Search and rescue operations are underway for a vessel that sank in the Marmara Sea near Silivri following a collision on September 2. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Seven ships, including TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar, and 11 aircraft are supporting search and rescue operations following a passenger ship accident near Cyprus. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The death toll from the shipwreck has reached 12 people. (disputed)
- The wreck was detected at a depth of approximately 550 meters. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A second floating bridge on the Euphrates River was completed on August 30 through cooperation between Turkish and Syrian armed forces. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Claims that foreign SDG members will leave Syria and enter Turkey are untrue. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Ministry of National Defense is monitoring the dissolution process of the SDG to protect Syria's territorial integrity. (single source)
- Three PKK members surrendered during the past week. (single source)
- Authorities apprehended 575 individuals at the borders this week, including one member of a terrorist organization. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Turkish Ministry of National Defense manages maritime rescues and regional projects

Turkey is conducting search and rescue operations for a shipwreck off Girne, with 12 dead and 16 missing. Other activities include Marmara Sea rescue efforts and the completion of a bridge on the Euphrates.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-ministry-of-national-defense-updates-on-syria-and-maritime-rescues

### 2026-08-15: Türkiye reports disappearance of major security threats on Syrian border

Turkish Ambassador Nuh Yilmaz reports that major security threats, including terrorism and smuggling, have disappeared along the Syrian border following the change in Syria's administration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trkiye-reports-disappearance-of-major-security-threats-on-syrian-border

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Cite as: Türkiye-Syria security and diplomatic cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trkiye-syria-security-and-diplomatic-cooperation