Breaking: Ministry of National Defense issues statement of support for Syria

A weekly press briefing was held by the Ministry of National Defense. Speaking at the meeting held at the Special Forces Command, Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk shared the latest developments regarding the agenda.

Announcing that 4 more PKK terrorists who fled from shelters in northern Iraq have surrendered in the last week as part of the activities carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces to establish permanent security, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated, "Our land search and sweep operations; cave, bunker, shelter, and mine and improvised explosive device detection and destruction efforts continue in the operational areas, especially in Claw-Lock. In this context, a large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials belonging to the terrorists seized have been rendered unusable."

On the other hand, stating that the Ministry of National Defense's fight against the FETÖ Armed Terrorist Organization continues uncompromisingly with the same sensitivity and determination as the first day, in light of the information and documents obtained, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk said, "Since the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, 23 thousand 969 personnel have been dismissed from the Armed Forces, and the ranks of 2 thousand 236 retired personnel have been revoked. As of today, dismissal and rank revocation procedures have been initiated for a total of 26 thousand 205 personnel."

Emphasizing that the border line is protected on a 24/7 basis with technology-intensive systems, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "Throughout the week, 448 individuals, including 11 members of terrorist organizations, were caught trying to cross our borders illegally, and 772 individuals were prevented before they could cross. Thus, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has reached 3 thousand 752, and the number of people prevented before crossing has reached 42 thousand 692. Within the scope of the 'tunnel destruction' activities continuing in the Syrian Operation Areas, together with the 23-kilometer-long tunnel destroyed in the Manbij region in the last week, the total length of destroyed tunnels, including Tel Rifaat and Manbij, has reached 481 kilometers."

Evaluating Israel's attacks, Rear Admiral Aktürk continued his speech as follows:

"Following Israel's attacks on southern Syria, the airstrikes it has now carried out on the center of Damascus are a clear provocation targeting hopes for peace and stability in the region. In Syria, which has reached an important threshold on the path to living in peace and reintegrating with the international community after long-lasting suffering, this historic opportunity must not be squandered, and support must be given to efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and security. Israel's attacks, which clearly violate international law, are a dangerous approach that disregards regional peace and security and reveals an intention to spread conflicts. Israel, which is dragging the entire region into instability and chaos with a reckless and lawless attitude, must immediately end its aggressive initiatives that could lead to irreversible consequences in our near geography. On the other hand, the humanitarian catastrophe, the abandonment of the civilian population to hunger, and massacres continue in Gaza. In this context, a fair and lasting peace process must be initiated, and the uninterrupted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza must be ensured. As Turkey, we once again emphasize that we will continue our support for the emergence of an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders."

Speaking about the IDEF fair, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "We believe that the IDEF 2025 17th International Defense Industry Fair, which will be held in Istanbul between July 22-27, will make a significant contribution to increasing international cooperation opportunities by bringing together official delegations of friendly and allied countries and leading companies of the defense industry, exhibiting high-tech military products, and following developments. It is expected that more than 1400 companies, along with over 200 (214) delegations, 99 of which are high-level, and approximately 900 (888) delegation members from many countries and international organizations, will participate in the IDEF 2025 Fair."

Ministry of National Defense sources, upon questions regarding the latest developments in Syria and Israel's attacks on Syria, made the following assessments:

"Our Turkish Armed Forces continue their determined fight against terrorist elements in northern Syria in order to ensure the security of our country and prevent the formation of a terror corridor on our borders.

Our stance on Syria is clear. Our goal is a secure, stable, and strong Syria that has ensured its territorial integrity and political unity.

The integration process between the New Syrian Government and the SDF terrorist organization and the clashes that have occurred in recent days are being followed with care and sensitivity. Our country supports all kinds of constructive processes aimed at establishing lasting stability and security in the region, based on the territorial integrity of Syria.

Israel's airstrikes against Syria jeopardize steps toward peace and stability in the region. It is a provocation against the unity and integrity of Syria. Israel must put an end to its attacks that violate international law and drag the region into chaos.

We had previously stated that should they request it, we would provide all the support we can to strengthen Syria's defense capacity and support its fight against terrorism. There is no negative situation regarding our units and personnel in Syria during the airstrikes carried out by Israel on Syria."

News Source: 12punto