Breaking News... Message from the Ministry of National Defense on İncirlik: 'This is a Turkish base; the presence of US soldiers does not mean it is a US base'

In a statement regarding current developments, the Ministry of National Defense provided information on İncirlik Air Base, measures concerning the TRNC, and the Patriot system deployed to Malatya.

The full text of the Ministry of National Defense statement is as follows:

"The Eastern Aegean Islands were transferred to Greece under the condition that they remain in a non-military status, as stipulated by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paris.

Lemnos (Treaty of Lausanne) and the Dodecanese Islands (Treaty of Paris) are islands that must maintain a non-military status. The non-military status is established as an essential condition of the treaties. Therefore, the violation of the non-military status constitutes a material breach, and these attempts to create a fait accompli do not legally result in the unilateral termination of the non-military status. This matter has also been expressed by the highest levels of our state.

Greece's attempts to violate the status of the islands, contrary to treaties concluded in accordance with procedure, create both a violation of law and damage our neighborly and allied relations. It is unacceptable for such situations to occur between NATO allies in the face of ongoing security crises in our geography.

We state that we do not accept Greece's attempts that do not serve a real purpose and are aimed at turning the crises in our region into an opportunity, and that we are taking all necessary measures in this direction.

The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the preservation of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean are of strategic importance to Turkey, and our stance on this issue is clear and unchanging.

Following the missile and drone threat resulting from the conflicts between the US-Israel and Iran, our air and air defense elements deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are intended to strengthen deterrence, support the security of the airspace, and enhance our rapid reaction capability against potential threats. These additional measures we have taken will contribute to the security of not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but the entire island.

As is known, Turkey is a Guarantor country in Cyprus. In an environment where some non-guarantor countries are sending military elements to the island of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, the measures taken by Turkey are the requirement of a highly legitimate, appropriate, and balanced security approach. We are sufficient for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Turkey acts with an understanding that protects peace and stability rather than increasing tension in the region. The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is our security. Furthermore, we will not allow any hostile attitude or fait accompli targeting the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots; we will not hesitate to use the rights and powers granted by our Guarantorship.

PATRIOT SYSTEM DEPLOYED TO MALATYA ADDRESSED

Within the scope of the ongoing intense conflicts between the US-Israel and Iran, two ballistic munitions fired from Iran at different times toward our country were neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements.

In the face of these developments, in addition to the measures we have taken at the national level to ensure the security of our airspace and our citizens, consultation mechanisms conducted with our NATO allies have been effectively activated.

In this context, a Patriot system assigned by the NATO Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, is being deployed to Malatya as a complementary element of the air defense architecture.

NATO is a security alliance with the will to protect the airspace and territories of allied countries; Turkey is one of the most important elements of this structure with its geostrategic location, powerful army, and critical role on the Alliance's southeastern flank.

These steps taken aim to strengthen common security with an understanding of defense, deterrence, and allied solidarity for both Turkey and NATO.

WHY WAS THE S-400 NOT USED?

Our country's air and missile defense activities are carried out within a multi-layered structure in line with threat assessments and operational needs. In this context, the most appropriate defense element is determined by taking into account the rules of engagement and the current operational picture.

Turkey is a part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense system. This system consists of early warning sensors, a command and control system, and interceptor missiles.

When a ballistic missile is detected, the system automatically selects and fires the most appropriate and fastest interceptor due to the very short intervention time.

The most appropriate and effective defense elements were activated against the ballistic missile threat directed at our country, and the ammunition in question was successfully destroyed.

'İNCİRLİK BASE IS A TURKISH BASE'

İncirlik is a Turkish base. Our 10th Main Jet Base Command, which operates under our Combat Air Force Command in Eskişehir, is stationed in Adana İncirlik. Our F-16 fleet, tanker fleet, and UAVs are located at our 10th Main Jet Base Command. Ownership, along with all facilities on it, belongs to the Republic of Turkey. The base commander is our Turkish Brigadier General. The presence of American soldiers there does not mean it is an American base. There are also military personnel from Spain, Poland, and Qatar there."

News Source: 12punto