Disciplinary action taken over allegations of human smuggling using an official vehicle: Brigadier General's rank revoked

Ministry of National Defense (MSB) sources have provided a statement regarding retired Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, who was arrested after being implicated in a "human smuggling using an official vehicle" incident at the Syrian border. 

The MSB stated that Çokay received a dismissal penalty from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) by the High Disciplinary Board and that his rank has been revoked.

MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk provided a briefing to members of the press during the Fire Free-2024 Exercise held in Polatlı. 

Aktürk stated that they are celebrating the 101st anniversary of Ankara becoming the capital and commemorated the heroes of the National Struggle with mercy and gratitude. He emphasized that the Fire Free-2024 Exercise aims to showcase the TSK's firepower, the reaction capabilities of its personnel, and the weapon systems in its inventory.

LEBANON EVACUATION AND COUNTER-TERRORISM

Aktürk stated that the TCG Sancaktar and TCG Bayraktar ships, sent for the evacuation of Turkish citizens in Lebanon under the directives of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have set sail for Mersin. 

He noted that the frigates TCG Gaziantep and TCG Salihreis, along with the patrol ships TCG Bartın and TCG Bandırma, are also involved in ensuring the security of the ships as part of the evacuation.

Sharing information that 42 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week and a total of 2,149 since the beginning of the year within the framework of the strategy applied in counter-terrorism, Aktürk announced that significant successes have been achieved in the Pençe-Kilit and Pençe-Yıldırım operations in northern Iraq. Aktürk also stated that 340 individuals were apprehended in the last week as part of the fight against illegal border crossings, and that the passage of a total of 80,802 people has been prevented this year.

BILAL ÇOKAY'S RANK REVOKED

MSB sources announced that retired Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, whose name was involved in human smuggling at the Syrian border, was given a dismissal penalty from the TSK by the High Disciplinary Board and his rank was revoked.

Addressing reports in the German press regarding certain ammunition sales, MSB sources stated that it is not appropriate for allies to impose restrictions or sanctions on one another. Information was also provided that efforts are ongoing regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

With the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon, it was stated that while it is known that some Lebanese citizens are migrating, no major wave of migration has reached the Turkish border. It was reported that Turkey's ships and aircraft are ready for potential evacuations.