The Anti-Disinformation Center of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey denied the validity of the news circulating about Türkiye’s request to British intelligence to increase protection for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stressing that these allegations “do not reflect the truth.”
The center explained in an official statement issued on Thursday that the report published by a foreign news agency in this regard lacks accuracy, and indicated that the Turkish intelligence service did not submit any request to its British counterpart to secure protection for Sharia.
The statement stated that the Turkish intelligence service continues its cooperation with the international agencies and the Syrian security agencies in the field of combating terrorism, within the framework of the existing security coordination between these parties.
This Turkish denial comes in response to a report published by Reuters, citing five informed sources, stating that the Turkish intelligence service asked the British intelligence service, MI6, last month to play a greater role in protecting the Syrian president.
According to the sources, which included Syrian and foreign officials, this request came as a result of increasing fears of possible assassination attempts targeting Al-Sharaa, against the backdrop of information about ISIS plans to assassinate him.
A high-ranking Syrian security source indicated that the Turkish request came after the revelation of a “very dangerous assassination plot,” stressing that the Turkish, British, and Syrian intelligence services continuously exchange information to confront security threats.
Turkish security sources who spoke to the agency explained that Turkish intelligence was able to identify a cell consisting of three people that was planning to carry out bombings using remotely detonated devices, which enabled the Syrian authorities to thwart an imminent attack.
A well-informed American diplomat also pointed out that the request for security support came due to fears of the return of ISIS activity in the region.
Western intelligence sources stated that London and Ankara may work to enhance intelligence and technical cooperation, but no decision has been taken yet regarding sending British personnel to work in the field in Damascus.
According to a Syrian security source, any British field presence in the Syrian capital may entail serious risks.
Reports indicate that the issue of the British role was discussed during a security meeting held in Damascus on February 26 between a British delegation headed by the Special Envoy to Syria, Anne Snow, and the Syrian Deputy Minister of Interior, Abdul Qader Tahan.
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism had revealed that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, along with two senior ministers, had been subjected to 5 failed assassination attempts over the past year.
Previous reports also indicated that the Syrian authorities were able in November 2025 to thwart two attempts of these plans.
