Turkish Navy ships visit Syrian Latakia port after NATO summit

Turkish naval vessels made a port call at Syria's Latakia on Monday, representing the first visit by Turkish warships to Syria since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. This event follows Turkey's recent hosting of a major NATO summit, which notably included the attendance of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The naval visit is significant given Turkey's increasing prominence as a naval power in the Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara has been asserting its influence through a concept it terms "Blue Homeland," a sphere of influence extending beyond its borders. This naval presence in Syria signals Turkey's support for the new government in Damascus, a development that has raised concerns in Israel, which views Turkey as a growing regional threat.

The presence of Turkish ships in Latakia also holds symbolic importance, demonstrating Ankara's commitment to supporting Syria at sea. This comes at a time when Syria aims to revive its navy and develop its offshore economic zones, potentially attracting investment from international energy companies. Israel had previously targeted Syrian naval assets during the civil war to deny the regime naval capabilities.

Latakia is strategically important for Turkey, serving as a hub in the Eastern Mediterranean where Turkish interests are substantial. Turkey has expressed vigilance regarding cooperation between Israel and Greek Cyprus in the region and seeks to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots, particularly concerning maritime borders and hydrocarbon resources. The Eastern Mediterranean's geopolitical importance is underscored by Turkey's 2019 deal with Libya, which bolstered Ankara's maritime claims and potentially conflicted with Greece's interests.