Khaberni - The Media Counter-Disinformation Center of the Communications Department in the Turkish Presidency denied the news that spoke of Turkey requesting the British intelligence service to increase protection for Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara.
The center stated in a statement released on Thursday that the news report published by a foreign news agency "does not reflect the truth".
It added that the Turkish National Intelligence Organization has not made any request to the British intelligence service regarding the protection of the Syrian president, confirming that it "maintains effective cooperation in combating terrorism with international intelligence and security agencies in Syria".
Turkey's request for protection of Al-Shara
Reuters reported from 5 informed sources that the Turkish intelligence service asked its British counterpart (MI6) last month to play a bigger role in protecting Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara, following recent assassination attempts.
According to the sources who spoke to the agency, including Syrian and foreign officials, concerns have increased regarding reports of plans by the Islamic State organization to assassinate Al-Shara.
A Turkish source said that the intelligence service, which played a pivotal role in helping the new Syrian government establish itself, appealed to its British counterpart to provide more support after a similar incident occurred last month.
Assassination plan "very dangerous"
A high-level Syrian security source stated that the request followed a "very dangerous assassination plot", adding that the Turkish and British intelligence services and Syrian authorities constantly exchange intelligence information, although details of the plan have not yet been clarified.
A western intelligence source familiar with the matter believes that Turkey seeks to introduce a western presence in Damascus to provide a buffer zone between the currently conflicting Turkish and Israeli intelligence services.
Turkish security sources told Reuters that the Turkish intelligence service identified a team of 3 individuals who were planning to execute bombings using remotely detonated devices, which enabled their Syrian counterparts to prevent an "imminent attack".
An informed American diplomat stated that the request of the Turkish intelligence service to its British counterpart came in the light of the resurgence of the Islamic State organization.
Discussion about British presence in Damascus
Western intelligence sources said that the two agencies might intensify joint planning and technical operations, but no decision has yet been made regarding sending British elements to Damascus.
A Syrian security source stated that the field presence of the British would be "fraught with great risks".
It added that the matter of the British intelligence service (MI6) was discussed during a meeting held in Damascus on February 26 between a delegation headed by the British special envoy to Syria Anne Snow and Syrian Deputy Interior Minister Major General Abdel Qader Tahan.
It is worth mentioning that the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism revealed that the Islamic State targeted Al-Shara and two senior ministers in 5 failed assassination attempts last year.
Reuters also reported in November 2025 that Syrian authorities thwarted two of these attempts.
