Officials say Syria has asked Turkey for defense support amid sectarian clashes

ANKARA Turkey AP Syria s interim administration has requested Turkey s advocacy to strengthen its defense capabilities Turkish leaders revealed following sectarian violence over the past two weeks that increased tensions in Syria and drew intervention by Israel The defense ministry functionaries who spoke on condition of anonymity according to procedures explained Wednesday that Syria has also sought assistance to combat terrorist organizations including the Islamic State group Turkey which has long expressed readiness to assist Syria was working toward providing training advisory services and technical assistance to help strengthen Syria s defense maximum the authorities added Syrian functionaries could not be promptly reached for comment Source