Turkey Veterans Association reacts: 'Our anger is great'

The statement was made by retired Colonel Ahmet Kendigel. Condemning all forms of terrorism, the veterans stated, "As individuals representing the Kuvayi Milliye (National Forces), we have not yet died."

"Our dear martyrs, your blood will not remain on the ground"

Making a statement on the matter, retired Colonel Ahmet Kendigel said, "As military associations—the Turkey Retired Officers, Retired Non-Commissioned Officers, Combat Veterans, War Disabled Veterans, Families of Martyrs and Orphans, and Retired Specialist Sergeants associations—we condemn the treacherous attack in which 12 of our comrades-in-arms were martyred.

One homeland, 12 lives, 12 Mehmets, 12 children, 12 mothers, 12 fathers, 12 spouses, 12 heroes. We wish God's mercy upon our martyrs and a speedy recovery to our wounded. Our condolences to the Turkish nation. May the souls of our heroes be blessed and their places be in heaven. It must be known that their blood will not remain on the ground.

Today, our comrades-in-arms who serve under all kinds of difficult conditions, disregarding their own lives without blinking an eye for the peace and security of our country, our flag, and the Turkish nation in many locations both at home and abroad, the homeland is grateful to you. May no stone touch your feet. As your retired comrades-in-arms who have handed over this sacred duty to you, we announce that we are ready for every mission and we are volunteers.

"THERE IS NO PEACE WITHOUT SECURITY"

Due to our geography and location where we have lived for thousands of years, we are the target of the treacherous ambitions of imperialist powers. It must be known that these lands, the price of which has been paid with the blood of martyrs, have been made a homeland by a nation that does not hesitate to give its life for even an inch of it.

We announce to the whole world that this ideal of ours will continue with this determination and resolve forever. Without security, there can be no peace and well-being, justice cannot be established, and prosperity cannot be achieved.

We stand with and support our Ministry of National Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces, which fight uncompromisingly against all terrorist organizations that pose a threat to the security of the Republic of Turkey, to the very end.

Our anger is as great as our pain. We have full faith that those who rushed to defend the homeland without blinking an eye, saying that this path is the path of martyrdom, and the blood shed by our dear martyrs and veterans must be accounted for, and will be accounted for. Our dear martyrs, your blood will not remain on the ground. May your souls be blessed. The homeland is grateful to you," he said.