Ministry of National Defense on World War III: 'We are among the most prepared countries'

Ministry sources responded to journalists' questions regarding the current agenda.

MSB sources also provided information regarding 'World War III' and the readiness status of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

IMAGES OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Ministry of National Defense sources, regarding images on social media suggesting that the Turkish Armed Forces have established checkpoints in certain residential areas in northern Iraq, stated, "It is out of the question for the TSK to enter residential areas where civilians live or to establish checkpoints there. Checkpoints in residential areas and regions close to our operational zones are being established by local Iraqi authorities, and good coordination is being maintained with the Iraqi side on this matter."

Ministry sources also provided information on the latest status regarding the Joint Operations Center to be established with Iraq, stating, "Technical work is ongoing. An operations center will be established. Technical studies and negotiations to determine the details are continuing positively."

DETENTION OF A BRIGADIER GENERAL

Ministry sources also gave the following response to questions regarding the detention of a Brigadier General on allegations of human smuggling at the Syrian border:

"We had previously announced that it was determined that human trafficking was being carried out using a Brigadier General's official vehicle and that we had referred the matter to judicial authorities. We also announced that, even though it had not been determined at the very beginning of the incident whether the Brigadier General in question was involved, he was immediately retired within the scope of command responsibility. Within the scope of the information obtained as a result of the confidential preparatory investigation, a detention order was issued by our Akçakale Prosecutor."

The administrative and judicial processes regarding the matter are proceeding in connection with each other. Administrative processes will continue to be operated according to developments in the judicial process. Regardless of rank, the necessary action is taken against anyone in the TSK who acts contrary to discipline and the law."

FIGHT AGAINST FETO

Ministry sources gave the following response to questions regarding the detention of some active-duty soldiers in recent FETO operations:

"Our fight against FETO continues with sensitivity. This struggle continues in light of new information and documents. Since this is a continuous process, prosecutors take action after intelligence units evaluate information and documents from wherever they come. The TSK is one of the most sensitive institutions in the fight against FETO because the institution that has suffered the most from this situation is the TSK. For this reason, our struggle will continue as long as new information and documents emerge."

POSSIBILITY OF WORLD WAR III AND TSK'S READINESS STATUS

Ministry sources said the following regarding questions about Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statements that the possibility of a third world war should not be ignored:

"If you ask whether there is a total risk as in the first and second world wars, of course, it is a possibility. As the Ministry of National Defense, we are making our assessments regarding our defense and security, and we are making all our plans that need to be updated in light of new assessments. We can easily say that we are one of the most prepared countries. The TSK is already a dynamic army. It is an army that constantly carries out activities in many geographies. It is an army that has tested and approved its own plans and logistics. It also carries out peace support activities in many parts of the world. No one, especially our country, wants a dark picture like a third world war, but it should be stated that our Army is ready for any scenario."

News Source: 12punto