The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Oct. 18 that the Turkish forces stationed at their largest military post in Syria’s northern Hama countryside are dismantling their equipment in preparation for their withdrawal from the base.

Turkish forces have been deployed since 2018 at the Morek observation post, in the north of Hama, which is under the control of the Syrian regime forces, according to the observatory.

The Jusoor Center for Studies and Development published Oct. 23 a report about the military and political motives behind Turkey’s withdrawal from some observation points in Idlib. The report talked about the implications of this step and the future of Turkish deployment in northwestern Syria.

“The withdrawal from the Turkish military post stationed in the city of Morek in the north of Hama on Oct. 20 came as a surprise in Syria, especially among the local population who were displaced from their homes in 2019 as a result of the Russian military campaign in the area. These residents were hoping the Turkish side would reach an understanding with Russia to facilitate their safe return, and the Turkish observation points gave them hope that they would return home,” the report said.