Turkey Signals Closer Coordination with Syria to Combat Disinformation

Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran engaged in a strategic phone conversation with Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa on Tuesday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating efforts against disinformation, according to an official statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

The high-level dialogue represents another step in the ongoing normalization of relations between Ankara and Damascus, with officials exchanging perspectives on Syria’s current situation and identifying potential areas for enhanced cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

During the call, Duran reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Syria across multiple fronts, with particular emphasis on counterterrorism initiatives and inclusive reconstruction efforts. This support aligns with Türkiye’s regional security strategy, which has evolved significantly in recent years as the Syrian civil war has entered a new phase.

“Lasting stability depends on consolidating the principle of ‘one state, one army’ both on the ground and at the institutional level,” Duran reportedly stated, underscoring Türkiye’s position that Syria’s territorial integrity and centralized governance are essential for regional stability. This principle has been a cornerstone of recent diplomatic efforts, particularly as various armed groups continue to control portions of Syrian territory.

The communications director highlighted that developments in the information sphere carry equal weight to battlefield dynamics in shaping outcomes in the region. In this context, he expressed Türkiye’s readiness to establish stronger cooperation mechanisms with Syria to counter what he described as “provocations, disinformation and perception operations” that could undermine stability efforts.

The timing of this communication is significant, coming amid increased military activity in northeastern Syria, where government forces have recently intensified pressure on Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Hasakah province. Damascus has issued warnings to the SDF regarding ceasefire compliance, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics of the region.

This diplomatic engagement also occurs against the backdrop of evolving U.S.-Türkiye relations regarding Syria policy. The Syrian conflict has long served as a flashpoint between Washington and Ankara, with disagreements over support for Kurdish forces creating tension between the NATO allies. Recent reports suggest that both powers may be recalibrating their approaches, potentially creating space for new diplomatic initiatives.

Türkiye’s outreach to Syria represents a continuation of its strategic reorientation in the Middle East. After years of supporting opposition forces against the Assad regime, Ankara has gradually shifted toward a more pragmatic approach focused on border security, refugee returns, and countering Kurdish groups it designates as terrorist organizations.

For Syria, closer coordination with Türkiye on information warfare and disinformation could provide valuable support as Damascus works to restore its legitimacy on the international stage after more than a decade of civil conflict. The Assad government has consistently characterized the opposition as terrorists and foreign proxies, a narrative it seeks to reinforce through information operations.

Regional observers note that cooperation on combating disinformation could potentially extend beyond propaganda to include intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations, though neither side has explicitly confirmed such plans.

The discussion between Duran and Mustafa follows a series of diplomatic contacts between the two countries that have gradually increased in frequency and significance over the past 18 months, indicating a steady, if cautious, path toward normalized relations after years of hostility during the Syrian civil war.

As both countries navigate complex regional dynamics, this emerging coordination on information warfare suggests a pragmatic recognition of shared interests, despite the significant political differences that have separated Ankara and Damascus for more than a decade.