Breaking News: New statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the lieutenants!

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) held its weekly briefing.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Ministry, Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk provided updates on current developments.

Ministry sources made the following statement regarding the lieutenants who chanted "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" while crossing swords at the graduation ceremony and were recommended for dismissal: "The High Disciplinary Boards will convene today at 14:00. The decision of the High Disciplinary Board will be prepared with its justification within 10 business days following the decision date stipulated in the legal legislation. It will be shared with the public following the preparation and approval of the reasoned decision."

Stating that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their fight against all threats and dangers with determination, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "With the counter-terrorism operations carried out in northern Iraq and Syria, 3,226 terrorists (1,539 in northern Iraq - 1,687 in northern Syria) have been neutralized since January 1, 2024, including 62 in the last week alone."

"107 INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING 1 TERRORIST ORGANIZATION MEMBER, WERE APPREHENDED"

Reminding of the multi-faceted measures taken at the border line, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "In the last week, 107 individuals, including 1 member of a terrorist organization, who were trying to cross illegally were apprehended, and 2,695 individuals were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, the number of people apprehended while trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has reached 215, and the number of people prevented from crossing the border has reached 3,634. In addition, 21,310 grams of narcotics were seized in operations carried out during the week."

Reminding of the developments in Syria, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "In Syria, where efforts continue to establish stability and ensure the dignified return of refugees; we express that we will continue our support for the establishment of permanent security more strongly than yesterday, and that we will be in cooperation with the new administration regarding the strengthening of Syria's defense and security capacity and counter-terrorism. We once again emphasize that all elements of the PKK/PYD/YPG/SDG and DAESH in Syria and Iraq, which pose a threat to our borders and the territorial integrity of Syria, are our legitimate targets now as they have been in the past. On the 7th anniversary of the Olive Branch Operation, which began with an air strike by 72 of our fighter jets in memory of our 72 heroic comrades-in-arms who were martyred in the Euphrates Shield Operation on January 20, 2018, which shattered the terror corridor intended to be created on our southern borders, and which ensured the security of our borders and the local people, we commemorate our dear martyrs who fought at the cost of their lives with mercy and gratitude, and we offer our respect and gratitude to our heroic veterans."

Rear Admiral Aktürk continued his speech as follows:

"On the other hand, we welcome the ceasefire agreement reached regarding the end of Israel's attacks on Gaza, which have disregarded international law for over a year and caused a humanitarian shame in Gaza. We emphasize that the achievement of a ceasefire does not mean the resolution of all problems, and that essential work must begin for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and geographically integral Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, which will result in a two-state solution."

Pointing out that the TSK is increasing its security capacity day by day, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "Various quantities of NEFER Turreted Armored Combat Vehicles and the National Infantry Rifle (MPT-76MH) produced by our Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE) Corporation have been added to the inventory by our Land Forces Command. In addition, within the scope of the 'Precision Guidance Kit (HGK-84) Procurement Project', various quantities of guidance kits (HGK-84A), developed by ASFAT, which is affiliated with our Ministry, in cooperation with TÜBİTAK SAGE, have been delivered to our Air Force Command."

Stating that personnel and military student recruitment activities are continuing as planned, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "Applications for 'Civil Servant Recruitment' to the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff, Force Commands, and the National Defense University will end on January 20, applications for the National Defense University Military Student Candidate Determination Exam can be made until January 27, and applications for 'Land Forces Command Specialist Sergeant and Contracted Private Recruitment' can be made until January 29."

PAID MILITARY SERVICE CLASSIFICATION RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 23

Speaking about the paid military service classification results, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "The classification results of the conscripts who will be called to arms under the paid military service status in 2025 will be announced on January 23 via e-Devlet and at military recruitment offices."

DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION OF LIEUTENANTS RECOMMENDED FOR DISMISSAL

Ministry of National Defense sources, when asked when the decision regarding some lieutenants referred to the High Disciplinary Board would be announced, said the following:

"The High Disciplinary Boards will convene today at 14:00. The decision of the High Disciplinary Board will be prepared with its justification within 10 business days following the decision date stipulated in the legal legislation. It will be shared with the public following the preparation and approval of the reasoned decision."

THE NEW SYRIAN ADMINISTRATION'S VISIT TO ANKARA

Ministry sources, when asked about the topics discussed during the visit of Ministers from the new Syrian Administration to Ankara, noted the following:

"Yesterday's meeting is important and valuable as it was the first contact. We have expressed our will regarding our support for the new Syrian administration in the coming period. They also stated that they were pleased with this. We will provide all the support we can regarding both the development of their defense capacities and counter-terrorism. However, technical work needs to be done. As our Minister also stated, there is a new administration in Syria. Following the new administration making state organs functional, they will determine their needs. We will then reveal what we can do according to these needs, and a roadmap to be determined jointly will be worked on."

LATEST SITUATION IN THE TISHRIN DAM REGION

Ministry sources shared the following information when asked about the terrorist organization PKK/YPG using civilians as human shields in the Tishrin Dam region:

"We are closely following the clashes between the Syrian National Army and the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in the Tishrin region. The terrorist organization is trying to deceive the international public with disinformation that attacks are being carried out against civilians by forcibly bringing civilians to the area where the clashes are taking place. The terrorist organization will not be allowed to use humanitarian infrastructure facilities, issues regarding the prevention of a possible disaster, and innocent civilians as bargaining chips."