Breaking News: Statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the new resolution process! 'All groups affiliated with the PKK...'

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, held a press briefing.

During the meeting, a statement was also made regarding the new resolution process, which is continuing following the call for disarmament by the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, Abdullah Öcalan.

Ministry sources noted the following:

“On February 27, a call was made to the terrorist organization regarding laying down arms and disbanding the organization. It is noteworthy that the organization has, albeit late, understood that nothing can be achieved through terrorism, that it has reached the end of its lifespan, and that it has no choice but to disband itself.

As in the call made, the PKK and all groups affiliated with it must end their terrorist activities, disband themselves, and immediately and unconditionally lay down their arms and surrender them. Attempts should not be made to create confusion by bringing up issues such as a ceasefire, which are not included in the text. As our Minister has also stated, the process will not be allowed to be sabotaged or prolonged; a cautious and rational approach will be taken as the basis.

The place of the families of our beloved martyrs and heroic veterans, who have the greatest share in the success achieved in the fight against terrorism, is always held in high regard. Our state will always look after the precious families who are the legacy left to us by our beloved martyrs and heroic veterans, and will never refrain from protecting the values for which we have given our lives.”

The statements of Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk are as follows:

COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATIONS

As a result of the operations carried out continuously and decisively by our Turkish Armed Forces to completely eliminate the terrorist threat to the security and stability of our country and our region, 26 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week, and 478 (195 in Iraq / 283 in Syria) have been neutralized since January 1, including in northern Iraq and Syria. Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue their operations and search-and-scan activities in the region for the survival and security of our country, and will continue their fight against terrorism with determination and resolve until not a single terrorist remains.

BORDER SECURITY

Within the scope of preventing smuggling and illegal crossings and increasing the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism, at our borders where the highest level of security is established; 99 individuals, 8 of whom were members of a terrorist organization, were caught trying to cross illegally in the last week, and 1,357 individuals were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has reached 909, and the number of people prevented before they could cross the border has reached 12,534.

Ministry sources made the following assessments regarding reports in the Israeli media that “Turkey will establish 3 new bases in Syria” and reports on social media that Turkish F-16s flew over Damascus following Israel's attack on Damascus:

“One should approach reports coming from the region that are intended to create perception with caution. The reports in question are not true. It is important that such reports be verified by contacting our Ministry. Our priority is to ensure lasting security and stability in our neighbor Syria. In this context, our efforts to strengthen Syria's defense and security capacity are being carried out in close cooperation and coordination with the new administration.”

EUROPEAN SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

Ministry sources also noted the following in response to questions regarding the European security architecture:

“As a member of NATO and the OSCE, and a candidate country for the EU, Turkey is an inseparable part of the European security architecture with its developing defense industry, the important roles it has undertaken in resolving regional crises, and its strong army.

In this process where the security architecture is being reshaped as a result of recent developments, it is not possible to ensure European security without our country. However, it would be a very wrong attitude to continue to block our country's participation in the EU's defense initiatives for political reasons.

In this period when Europe's concerns in the field of security are increasing, our country's full participation in the EU's defense efforts is also essential for Europe to be a global actor.”

CLAIMS THAT TROOPS WILL BE SENT TO UKRAINE

Ministry sources made the following assessment regarding reports that Turkish soldiers would be sent to Ukraine within the scope of a Peacekeeping Force:

“Our view that a just and lasting peace can be achieved through the equal and fair representation of both sides remains valid. Our country will continue to support all kinds of constructive initiatives in this process aimed at ensuring peace in the region, keeping the Black Sea as a sea of peace, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Furthermore, we are following the multi-dimensional diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the war in close coordination with the relevant institutions of our State.

The issue of contributing to a mission that has been voiced in various channels but has not yet been placed within a conceptual framework will be evaluated mutually with all relevant parties if it is deemed necessary for the establishment of regional stability and peace.”

PARTICIPATION IN THE RED FLAG-2025 COMBINED AIR OPERATIONS EXERCISE

Ministry sources said the following in response to questions regarding the Red Flag-2025 exercise to be held in the USA:

“Our country is participating for the eighth time in the Red Flag-2025 Combined Air Operations exercise to be held in the USA between March 10-21, with 5 F-16 aircraft and 73 personnel. The transfer of our aircraft and personnel to the USA has been completed. The exercise in question was first conducted in 1975. Our country last participated in the exercise, which is conducted 3-6 times a year in Nevada as Red Flag and 4-6 times a year in Alaska as Red Flag-Alaska, in 2016.”

LAWSUIT BY FORCE COMMANDERS AGAINST CHP LEADER ÖZEL

The Force Commanders filed a lawsuit against CHP Chairman Özgür Özel due to his statements. Ministry sources noted the following regarding the subject:

“We stated last week that statements targeting our Force Commanders personally and our Ministry of National Defense in general are unacceptable and that all legal rights will be exercised. In this context, our Land and Naval Forces Commanders, as well as our Chief of General Staff and our Minister of National Defense, have each filed separate non-pecuniary damage lawsuits.”

LAND FORCES COMMAND LOGISTICS CHIEF REQUESTING RETIREMENT

Ministry of National Defense sources said the following regarding questions about Brigadier General Hakan Tutucu, the Land Forces Command Logistics Chief who opposed the dismissal of lieutenants, requesting his retirement:

“Retirement applications in the TSK can be made in January/February and July/August within the scope of current legislation. Retirement requests made outside of this are subject to the approval of the Force Commanders, and retirement requests made in January/February and July/August must be approved.

In this context, Brigadier General Hakan Tutucu submitted his retirement petition of his own volition on February 28. His request was deemed appropriate and approved. The reports in the press regarding his assignment do not reflect the truth.”

News Source: 12punto