Ankara, Turkey. Turkey’s intelligence agency asked Britain’s MI6 last month to take a larger role in protecting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after recent assassination plots, according to five people familiar with the matter.
Request to Britain’s intelligence service
The request, made by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), was described by five people familiar with the matter. It was unclear what MIT specifically asked of MI6, or what new role, if any, MI6 had taken up.
Security concerns and regional tensions
The request comes as Syria faces sporadic violence 15 months after the overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad, with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran cited as adding to tensions in the wider region.
Allies’ view of Sharaa’s role
Foreign allies see Sharaa as crucial to preventing a relapse into sectarian fighting or civil war after 14 years of civil conflict drove millions of refugees abroad and allowed Islamic State to control swathes of Syria.
Islamic State threat and reported plots
Sources cited rising anxiety over a series of reported Islamic State plots to kill Sharaa. The militants last month stepped up attacks on military and security personnel across Syria and declared Sharaa, a former rebel, their “number one foe”.
International backing and sanctions
Turkey, Britain and the U.S. last year backed Sharaa to try to reunite and rebuild Syria. London and Washington have scrapped most sanctions on Syria and on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group Sharaa once led.
Responses to requests for comment
Sources who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. MIT, the Turkish foreign ministry, Britain’s foreign office, and Syria’s defence and interior ministries did not respond to requests for comment.
What impact do you think expanded foreign security support could have on Syria’s stability?