Breaking: Ministry of National Defense responds to US claim that 'Turkey reached a ceasefire with PKK/YPG/SDF'

Sources from the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) have made a statement regarding the latest situation in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor at the Ministry, stated during a press briefing at the ministry that the Turkish Armed Forces' (TSK) fight against terrorism continues with determination.

COUNTER-TERRORISM

The weekly briefing from the MSB is as follows: Through operations carried out uninterruptedly and successfully both domestically and across the border against all kinds of threats and dangers, primarily the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, DAESH, and FETÖ terrorist organizations; 41 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week, and 2,959 since January 1, with 1,438 in northern Iraq and 1,521 in northern Syria. In the past week, 3 more PKK terrorists who fled their shelters surrendered to our Border Outposts. Our Turkish Armed Forces continue search and sweep activities in our operational areas in northern Iraq. A large number of weapons, ammunition, and living supplies were seized in caves identified during the week.

A NEW ERA IN SYRIA

The current situation and all developments in Syria, where a new era has begun, are being closely monitored; efforts to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrians are also continuing.

In this context; we once again emphasize that we support Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, that our priority is the elimination of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization which poses a threat to the security of our country and Syria, that we will continue to take preventive and destructive measures against terrorist organizations, and that we will cooperate with the new administration in Syria on counter-terrorism.

BORDER SECURITY

At our borders, where world-class security is provided with physical security measures supported by technological means and a multi-layered security system; 218 individuals, including 3 members of a terrorist organization, who were trying to cross illegally in the last week were apprehended, and 1,487 individuals were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, the number of those caught while trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has risen to 13,745, and the number of people prevented has risen to 94,813.

LATEST SITUATION IN SYRIA

Ministry of National Defense sources said the following in response to questions regarding the latest situation in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime:

“A new era has now begun in Syria. Turkey has stood by the Syrian people from the very beginning. It opened its doors to millions of Syrians fleeing the oppression of the regime and the war. At the point reached, the regime's opponents have determined their own destiny. Turkey stands by the Syrian people today as it did yesterday. It will continue to do its best to ensure Syria's territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability.

Every step taken on the ground by terrorist groups that pose a threat to the security of our country and Syria is being followed, and preventive and destructive measures are being taken. We once again emphasize that our stance on fighting terrorist organizations in the region is clear.”

US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON'S STATEMENTS ON “CEASEFIRE REACHED BETWEEN TURKEY AND SDF”

Regarding the statement by the US State Department Spokesperson that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Turkey and the terrorist organization PKK/YPG/SDF, Ministry sources said, “As Turkey, there is no question of us negotiating with any terrorist organization. We believe it was a slip of the tongue regarding the statement made.”

RUSSIAN PRESENCE IN SYRIA

Ministry sources said the following regarding reports in the press that Russian elements in Syria were being shifted to Libya:

“There is currently uncertainty regarding the Russian presence in Syria. But there are statements from a Russian official that they are in talks with the new administration in Syria. We are also closely following reports that some Russian ships and systems are being taken to Libya. Time will tell whether these are being transferred to Libya permanently or temporarily.”

POSSIBILITY OF TSK OPERATION EAST OF THE EUPHRATES

Ministry sources said the following regarding reports that the TSK or the SNA (Syrian National Army) are preparing for an operation against the PKK/YPG east of the Euphrates:

“The threat posed by the terrorist organization to our borders and our operational areas in Syria continues. Our preparations and measures within the scope of counter-terrorism will continue until the PKK/YPG terrorist organization lays down its arms and the foreign fighters within it leave Syria. We believe that the new administration in Syria and its army, the Syrian National Army, will liberate the regions occupied by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization together with the Syrian people.”

US AGREEMENT WITH THE GCA

Ministry sources said the following in response to questions about the US including the GCA (Greek Cypriot Administration) in exercises it will conduct in the Mediterranean:

“The US had previously lifted the arms embargo on the GCA in a way that would upset the delicate balance existing on the Island. Now they have done Defense Cooperation planning. We are closely following these developments. We have taken and continue to take all kinds of measures for the security of the TRNC. We once again emphasize our determination to protect the security and rights of the Turkish Cypriots at any cost.”

News Source: 12punto