On Tuesday evening, the parliament in Ankara extended two key mandates for foreign deployments by the Turkish army. The resolutions give the government new military freedom of action in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Both motions were approved by a majority vote.
The mandate for cross-border military operations in Syria and Iraq, introduced on the initiative of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was approved with the votes of the AKP, MHP, Iyi Party, and Yeni Yol Partisi. The CHP, EMEP, and DEM Party voted against it.
Three-year extension of mandate for military operations in Syria and Iraq
For the first time, the mandate has been extended for a period of three years—until October 30, 2028. The justification states that there is still a threat along Turkey’s southern border from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Iraq and the People’s Defense Units (YPG) in Syria. The government considers them a “threat to national security.”
The mandate not only allows for cross-border military operations, but also for the stationing of foreign armed forces in Turkey, provided that the president orders it. The bill lists the following objectives: safeguarding Turkish interests in the region, repelling attacks, and taking measures against possible migration movements.
Criticism from the opposition
The opposition parties, in particular the CHP, DEM Party, and EMEP, rejected the mandate. They criticized that such decisions would embroil Turkey in a permanent state of war in the region. Nevertheless, the mandate was passed. It was not possible to count the exact number of dissenting votes cast by individual members of parliament, as the vote was conducted openly and not digitally.
Two more years for the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon
A few hours before the vote on the Syria-Iraq mandate, the mandate for the continuation of the UN mission in Lebanon was also extended. The motion tabled by Erdoğan provides for Turkish troops to continue participating in the UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) for a further two years from October 31, 2025.
The mandate is based on UN Security Council Resolution 2790, which authorizes the deployment until the end of 2026, before a gradual withdrawal is to begin in 2027. Nevertheless, the Turkish government is maintaining its presence in Lebanon, describing it as a contribution to stability, peacekeeping, and Turkey’s visibility in the region. The CHP voted in favor of the Lebanon mandate, while DEM Party and EMEP voted against it.