Statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the helicopter crash in Ankara

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) issued a statement regarding the helicopter that crashed in Ankara during the evening hours. The Ministry shared the information that, "There are no negative issues regarding the health status of our 5 personnel on board the helicopter. Following the incident, search teams were immediately dispatched to the region and necessary investigation efforts have begun."

In the statement made following the weekly press briefing, it was noted that the administrative and technical process regarding the incident is ongoing.

THE NAVY WILL MEET THE PUBLIC ON APRIL 23

The statement announced that as part of the 106th anniversary of April 23, the Naval Forces Command will visit 23 ports with 23 ships, and the ships will be opened for public visits.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated that the Turkish Stars will perform demonstration flights in Çanakkale, SOLOTÜRK in Antalya, and that various events will be organized at the Istanbul Air Force Museum.

THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Aktürk said, "During the week, 3 more PKK terrorists surrendered, and efforts to detect and destroy mines, improvised explosive devices, caves, shelters, and hideouts have continued within and beyond our borders to establish permanent security."

Providing information on the Syrian operational areas, Aktürk noted that a 5-kilometer-long tunnel was destroyed in the last week, 98 percent of the tunnels detected in Manbij have been neutralized, and the total length of destroyed tunnels has reached 777 kilometers.

THE BALANCE SHEET OF THE LAST WEEK AT THE BORDERS

It was reported that 140 people attempting to cross the border illegally were apprehended in the last week, while 1,552 people were prevented from crossing.

It was stated that the number of those apprehended since January 1 has reached 2,232, and the number of those prevented has reached 24,169.

MESSAGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST: EMPHASIS ON CEASEFIRE

Aktürk stated that maintaining the temporary ceasefire achieved in the negotiations between Iran and the US is important for lasting peace.

"On the other hand, Israeli expansionism, which began with the genocide in Gaza and subsequently spread to Lebanon and Syria, continues. These attacks by Israel not only threaten regional security but also disrupt peace efforts. Furthermore, we are saddened by the loss of life of a French soldier serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and we once again invite all parties to respect the immunity of the United Nations Interim Force and to refrain from steps that would endanger the duties of United Nations personnel. Meanwhile, Israel's failure to fulfill its obligations regarding the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid under the Gaza Peace Plan is deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region every day. The international community must say 'stop' to Israeli expansionism and its attacks."

EXERCISE AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES CONTINUE

It was reported that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) continue their training and exercise activities.

It was stated that the International Anatolian Eagle Exercise in Konya has been completed, and the Kurtaran Submarine Search and Rescue Exercise conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean has ended.

It was conveyed that participation in the Flintlock Exercise in Libya and Ivory Coast, NATO's "Locked Shields" cyber defense exercise, and exercises to be held in Spain and Norway is ongoing and planned.

PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT AND PAID MILITARY SERVICE FEE

Aktürk stated that military student and personnel recruitment activities are continuing in accordance with the planned calendar.

It was stated that the fee for paid military service is 416,361 Turkish Lira and 30 kurus.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY

It was announced that the Muratreis submarine has set sail for the first time as part of the New Type Submarine Project.

It was reported that the Gökırmak, Fırat, and Dicle ships have been launched as part of domestic tugboat projects, and the construction of the Seyhan ship is ongoing. It was also noted that various ammunition deliveries have been completed.

MESSAGE OF COOPERATION WITH LIBYA

In the statement regarding activities in Libya, it was stated that Turkey actively participates in exercises and that training support continues.

"On April 14, our Deputy Chief of General Staff attended the opening ceremony held in Libya as a guest of honor. Within the scope of the exercise, one AKSUNGUR and one AKINCI departed from Dalaman and transferred to Libya with an intercontinental flight. In the naval phase, on April 18, Helicopter Rope Descent Training was conducted in the Sirte Naval Training Area with the participation of the SH-70 helicopter based on the TCG Gelibolu frigate and the SAT team on board, and on April 19, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Training was conducted with the joint participation of the SAT team and Libyan personnel. Our country continues its approach towards Libya within the framework of the 'One Army, One Libya' understanding and supports the country's continued existence in unity, solidarity, peace, and stability with its west and east. In this direction, the priority is to maintain stability, calm, and balance on the ground based on the broadest dialogue and consensus."

"SUPPORT ACTIVITIES CONTINUE WITH DETERMINATION"

"In addition, training, consultancy, and technical support activities are being carried out to strengthen Libya's defense and security capacity, and to date, more than 23,000 Libyan military personnel have been trained both in Turkey and at training centers in Libya. Furthermore, support activities in areas such as the destruction of mines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance, as well as the fight against smuggling, illegal migration, and terrorism, continue with determination."

It was recalled that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a meeting with Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler during his visit to Turkey.

It was stated that topics such as NATO cooperation, defense spending, and the integration of air defense systems were discussed during the meeting.

News Source: 12punto