Breaking News: Statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the evacuation of Turkish citizens in Lebanon

The Ministry of National Defense held its weekly briefing.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Ministry, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, provided updates on current developments.

Sharing developments regarding the fight against terrorism over the past week, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "In the counter-terrorism operations carried out by our Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq and Syria, which are 'continuous, comprehensive, and at the source,' 58 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized since January 1 has reached 2,107."

Aktürk also expressed his condolences for Infantry Specialist Sergeant Burak Geniş, who was martyred as a result of a vehicle accident in Ağrı on October 2.

"A TOTAL OF 463 INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING 12 TERRORISTS, WERE APPREHENDED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS THE BORDERS"

Noting that border units are continuously improving their capabilities for border security and that effective measures are being taken, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "In the last week, 463 individuals attempting to cross illegally were apprehended. 930 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. 12 of the apprehended individuals are members of a terrorist organization. Thus, the number of people apprehended while attempting to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has risen to 11,339. The number of people prevented from crossing the border has reached 79,635."

Noting that the Kosovo Force (KFOR) Command mission, which was taken over on October 10, 2023, and carried out with full impartiality and transparency in accordance with NATO and United Nations resolutions, will be handed over to Italy on October 11, Rear Admiral Aktürk added that Turkey will continue to make significant and decisive contributions to the security of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic region.

Stating that more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed or displaced as a result of Israeli attacks, Aktürk said, "Israel's attacks on Lebanon following Palestine, in violation of international law, have justified our concern that this crisis will spread to the entire region. It is essential to take permanent measures to stop these attacks to prevent the spread of the crisis in our region. We once again call on the international community, which continues to watch this alarming violence in the face of displaced innocent people, murdered children, and those deprived of humane living conditions, to take action."

Noting that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their training and exercise activities uninterruptedly in parallel with all their operations and duties, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that in this context, the "Fire Free-2024" activity will be held in Polatlı between October 8 and 11 to improve the coordination of inter-force fire support.

Reminding that the Oruç Reis vessel will conduct research activities in the maritime jurisdiction areas of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Aktürk stated that the Somali Maritime Task Group, consisting of the Naval Forces' TCG Gediz, TCG Gökova, and TCG Lt. Arif Ekmekçi vessels, will provide escort and protection to the Oruç Reis vessel.

"ISRAEL'S ATTACKS WILL SPREAD ACROSS THE REGION"

In response to questions regarding the possibility of the tension caused by Iran striking Israel with missiles following Israel's attack on Lebanon turning into a regional war, Ministry of National Defense sources replied, "As the Ministry of National Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces, we closely follow the developments in our region and the world regarding our country's defense and security, evaluate them with a multi-dimensional security strategy, and take the necessary measures. Israel's inhumane attacks, which disregard international law, continue to threaten international security and global and regional stability. The current situation has shown how justified our concern was that Israeli attacks would not be limited to Gaza but would spread across the region."

EVACUATION PLAN IS READY

Regarding questions about whether Turkish citizens in Lebanon will be evacuated, Ministry sources said, "Our Turkish Armed Forces, which have successfully carried out many evacuation operations before, have completed their planning and preparations for the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, primarily our own citizens, from Lebanon. Currently, the developments in Lebanon are being closely monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the evacuation begins, the necessary information will be provided by the relevant institutions of our state."

Regarding reports that the TAF decided not to participate in the Ramstein Flag-2024 Exercise held in Greece, Ministry sources stated the following:

"The Ramstein Flag-2024 Exercise is being conducted in Greece between September 30 and October 11, 2024, with the participation of 13 NATO member countries. After Greece showed the FIR (Flight Information Region) line as its own sovereign area in the exercise planning document and requested a flight plan, the necessary initiatives were taken, and despite the positive approach shown by NATO authorities, participation in the exercise was not provided due to the host country Greece's insistence on its stance."

In response to a question about why air shows were held at Adana Teknofest despite the announcement that domestic flights of the Turkish Stars and SOLOTÜRK were restricted within the scope of austerity measures, Ministry sources stated the following:

"Domestic air shows to be performed by our Air Force have been canceled within the scope of austerity measures. Due to the intense demand from our youth for air shows at Teknofest held in Adana this year, and because the activity was held in our Mediterranean region for the first time, the air shows planned to be performed on October 29 Republic Day in Adana were held at Teknofest to increase our youth's love for aviation, demonstrate the capabilities of TAF personnel, and not deprive our youth of this gathering; an air show has been planned for İzmir for October 29 Republic Day."

News Source: 12punto