Politicians react to attack on Turkish flag by terrorist organization supporters

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated in a post on his social media account: "I condemn the vile attack on our glorious flag by supporters of the terrorist organization YPG on the Syrian side of the Nusaybin-Qamishli border line. We will never allow this heinous attempt, which targets our unity, solidarity, and the peace of our nation, to cast a shadow over our brotherhood or harm our goal of a Terror-Free Turkey and a terror-free region. Our state is on the ground with all its institutions. Our noble nation will stand tall with its common sense against all kinds of sedition, provocation, and attempts at discord; our brotherhood will continue to be our strongest bond. A comprehensive investigation has been launched regarding the perpetrators of the incident, and those who planned and carried out this baseness will certainly be held accountable before the law; the attack carried out against our flag will in no way go unpunished."

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç said: "I condemn the vile attempt directed at our flag by supporters of the terrorist organization on the Mardin Nusaybin-Qamishli border line. A judicial investigation has been initiated by our Mardin Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding this heinous incident. On the other hand, investigations are ongoing by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices regarding the actions carried out in our country under the pretext of the clashes between Government forces and the SDG/YPG terrorist organization in the Syrian city of Aleppo. In this context, investigations have been conducted regarding 356 suspects, 35 suspects have been arrested, judicial control measures have been applied to 45 suspects, and the detention procedures for 77 people are ongoing. No attack or provocation directed at our state's sovereignty and our social peace will go unpunished."

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya noted the following in a post on his social media account:

"We condemn the attack carried out by supporters of the YPG terrorist organization against our glorious flag on the Nusaybin-Qamishli border line. This vile provocation is nothing more than an effort to target the unity and solidarity of our nation and to disrupt our march toward a Terror-Free Turkey. Let these provocateurs not forget: our crescent-and-star flag is the legacy of our martyrs and the honor of our nation. Every member of our nation will never hesitate to walk toward martyrdom for our flag. Every dirty hand reaching for our flag has found the punishment it deserved throughout history and will always find it. Let no one have any doubt about this. Our greatest response to those who set an ambush for our brotherhood is to unite more and work with all our might to build a Great and Strong Turkey."

In a post made on the social media account of the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated: "An administrative investigation has been initiated regarding the attempt by terrorist organization sympathizers to cross the border from the closed border gate in Nusaybin and the attack on our flag at the border gate."

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı also said: "I condemn in the strongest terms the vile and provocative attack carried out against our glorious flag by supporters of the terrorist organization YPG on the Syrian side. Our state is in full determination to protect its border security, national honor, and the peace of its citizens. With the foresight of our nation and the power of our state, such provocations will not reach their goal. Without ever deviating from our goal of a Terror-Free Turkey, we will continue to resolutely protect our flag, our homeland, and our independence."

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan stated: "I condemn today's provocation by the YPG terrorist organization, which has taken the lives of thousands of innocents without distinguishing between civilians, women, or children since the day it existed. The Republic of Turkey will not allow those who intend to open a new dark page in our region. As our President stated, 'There is no place for terror in the future of either our country or our region.' The necessary responses will be given to the dirty hands reaching for the Turkish flag, which we consider sacred."

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu stated: "I condemn in the strongest terms this vile attack carried out against our glorious flag by supporters of the terrorist organization YPG on the Nusaybin–Qamishli border line. The Republic of Turkey has the power to break every hand reaching for its flag and the will to ensure the security of its borders and national values under all conditions. The State of the Republic of Turkey is strong, determined, and will not remain silent in the face of any threat directed at its national values. Our glorious flag will wave forever, and the only word in these lands will again belong to our nation."

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum said: "Those who attempt to engage in provocation against our glorious flag are playing with fire. If our flag is the target, our answer is clear: Our state will do what is necessary."

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated: "I condemn in the strongest terms the treacherous attack carried out by supporters of the YPG terrorist organization against our glorious flag on the Nusaybin–Qamishli border line. It should be known that every hand reaching for our flag will be broken by the unshakeable will of our state. These vile attempts, which target our steps toward protecting regional stability, peace, and tranquility, will never find a response against the unity and solidarity of our country. We will continue our struggle against those who covet the indivisible integrity of our homeland with the same determination today as we did yesterday. We will never give up on our goal of a Terror-Free Turkey."

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak said: "I strongly condemn the vile attack carried out against our glorious flag by supporters of the terrorist organization YPG on the Nusaybin-Qamishli border line. Those who reach out to our crescent-and-star flag and treacherously attack our values will pay the heaviest price for this."