US Official Discusses in Algeria Arms Proliferation in Sahel

United Nations Peacekeeping Forces hold patrols in Mali. (AFP)
United Nations Peacekeeping Forces hold patrols in Mali. (AFP)
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US Official Discusses in Algeria Arms Proliferation in Sahel

United Nations Peacekeeping Forces hold patrols in Mali. (AFP)
United Nations Peacekeeping Forces hold patrols in Mali. (AFP)

Bonnie Jenkins, the US undersecretary of state for arms control, would discuss with senior officials in Algeria security, counter-terrorism, and arms proliferation in Sahel and Libya.

Jenkins also has the Russian “Wagner” threats on her agenda. 

“Jenkins will meet with senior government officials to discuss issues of mutual concern, including efforts to deepen bilateral security cooperation to address shared regional security challenges,” read a statement by the Office of the US State Department Spokesman on Sunday.

“The Under Secretary will also meet with Ambassadors from like-minded diplomatic missions in Algiers to discuss regional security issues.”

This indicates that she would meet with ambassadors of Sahel countries, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania.

The visit comes amid ongoing Algerian-Moroccan tension and the presence of “Wagner” militias in some African countries, especially in Mali, which is concerning to Washington.

Observers expect that the US official would convey to the Algerian officials her government’s wish to cooperate in order to curb the infiltration of pro-Russia armed groups in the African continent.

Jenkins would meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha, and senior military officers.

The diplomatic visit of Jenkins comes one month after the visit of Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, and three months after the visit of Brett McGurk, the National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Yael Lempert, principal deputy assistant secretary, and Jeremy Brandt, the North Africa official in the US National Security Council.

Chengriha informed Langley on Feb. 8 that his country holds to impartiality and deals with several friendly countries to serve its interests.



Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
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Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 

Türkiye is accelerating preparations to establish an airbase in the city of Palmyra, east of Homs, following an announcement by its Ministry of Defense last week that it is considering a request from the Syrian administration in Damascus to set up a base for training purposes.

Reports indicate that Turkish military convoys carrying equipment entered northern Syria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely transporting logistical supplies and gear to the “T4” airbase in Palmyra.

The pro-government Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reported on Wednesday that the country has taken official steps to take control of the Tiyas Military Airbase—also known as Tiyas Airport, T4 Airbase —located near the village of Tiyas, about 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in Homs province.

According to the report, Türkiye plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base, incorporating domestically produced weapons. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs with advanced strike capabilities. The goal is to enhance the country’s counterterrorism efforts against ISIS while also deterring potential Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye may also consider deploying the Russian S-400 air defense system, which it acquired in the summer of 2019.

Retired Turkish Brigadier General Fahri Erenel stated that Ankara plans to take significant steps in Syria in April. He mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a defense agreement was negotiated with the Syrian interim government. Under this agreement, Türkiye would provide air support and military protection to the new Syrian administration.

Israeli Concerns

Israel is deeply concerned about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Damascus and its efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.

An Israeli security official, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, described the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “possible threat” to Israel. The official, whose name was not disclosed, warned that a Turkish airbase in Syria would undermine Israel’s operational freedom and was therefore something Tel Aviv opposed.

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted what it described as “strategic military capabilities” at Syrian army bases in Palmyra and the T4 airbase. The Israeli official indicated that the strike on T4 was a message that Israel would not tolerate any obstacles to its air operations in Syria.