Will Trump's election cause problems in F-16 procurement? Ministry of National Defense sources explain

A weekly briefing meeting was held by the Ministry of National Defense. Speaking at the press conference held at the ministry, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, conveyed the latest developments regarding the agenda.

“38 TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN NEUTRALIZED IN THE LAST WEEK”

Drawing attention to the counter-terrorism operations carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq and Syria, which are 'at the source, continuous and comprehensive,' Rear Admiral Aktürk said, “38 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized since January 1 has reached 2,457 (1,275 in Iraq / 1,182 in Syria).”

On the other hand, Rear Admiral Aktürk reported that a large number of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive device (IED) mechanisms, living supplies, and organizational documents belonging to terrorists were seized in caves and shelters identified by the Turkish Armed Forces in the Claw-Lock operation region in northern Iraq.

Aktürk announced that 2 more PKK terrorists who escaped from the terrorist organization's shelters in the last week surrendered to border outposts in Cizre and Iğdır.

Rear Admiral Aktürk continued his speech as follows:

“Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue their fight against terrorism with determination and resolve for the survival and security of our country and nation until not a single terrorist remains. On this occasion, we once again wish God's mercy upon our heroic comrade-in-arms, Naval Lieutenant Mustafa Kemal Öz, who was injured as a result of an accident during training on November 5 and passed away at the hospital where he was taken.”

“188 individuals attempting to cross our borders illegally have been apprehended”

Conveying the latest developments on the border line, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, “188 individuals attempting to cross our borders illegally have been apprehended in the last week. 4 of the apprehended individuals are members of a terrorist organization. 1,288 individuals were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, the number of those apprehended while trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has risen to 12,461. The number of people prevented before they could cross the border has reached 86,312.”

Reporting that Greek Coast Guard boats left boats carrying irregular migrants east of Samos Island during reconnaissance and surveillance activities carried out by the Naval Forces' unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on October 29 and November 1, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, “Our Coast Guard Command was informed and the rescue of the migrants in question was ensured.”

Emphasizing that Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza, Rear Admiral Aktürk continued his speech as follows:

“Children and civilians are being killed by Israel in violation of international and humanitarian law, and our region is being dragged into a catastrophe. A rational and sensible stance must be adopted to stop Israel's increasing attacks and massacres in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon; ceasefire negotiations must now be handled seriously and concluded as soon as possible in favor of the people of the region.”

Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that the 2024 Turkey National Geodesy Commission Scientific and General Assembly Meeting, in which the General Directorate of Mapping, the founding and executive institution of the Turkey National Geodesy Commission, also participated, was held at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University between November 6-9 with the participation of senior executives of public institutions and organizations and university representatives.

Reporting that personnel and military student procurement activities are continuing as planned, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, “Applications for the 2024 Physician, Dentist Class Contracted/Active Officer, Pharmacist Class, and Specialized Physical Education Teacher Class Active Officer Candidate Procurement have been extended until November 14, and applications for the Air Force Command's '2024 Pilot Class Active Officer Candidate Procurement' have been extended until November 15.”

Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that concerts will be given in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between November 13-16 by the Mehteran Unit Command as part of the '41st Anniversary of the Establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' events.

THE SITUATION IN IRAQ AND SYRIA AFTER THE US ELECTIONS

Ministry of National Defense sources, in response to questions about whether US soldiers will withdraw from Iraq and Syria after the United States (US) elections, said:

“We are closely following all developments regarding defense and security in our region and are taking measures accordingly. The US had previously decided to withdraw from Syria, but this did not happen in practice. One should look at actions, not words. Our expectation from friendly and allied countries is to stop the aid and support given to the PKK/YPG/SDG terrorist organization and to provide sincere support to our fight against terrorism.”

CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES MEETING WITH GREECE

Ministry sources, in response to questions about the Confidence-Building Measures Meeting held during the Greek delegation's visit to Istanbul, stated:

“At the Confidence-Building Measures Meeting between the Turkish and Greek delegations; both sides reached an agreement on the execution of the activities determined for 2024 and the implementation and application of the activities agreed upon for 2025. The meeting in question took place in a positive atmosphere. The next meeting will be hosted by Greece.”

Allegations that France will provide Leclerc Tanks and Mistral Missiles to the GCA

Ministry sources, regarding reports that France will provide Leclerc tanks and Mistral missiles to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), said:

“We are closely following every development that could upset the balance on the Island of Cyprus and pose a threat to the security of the TRNC. Such aid promises had been made to the GCA before. As in the past, Turkey will continue to do its best for the security, peace, and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots within the framework of guarantee and alliance agreements, and will continue to take the necessary military and political measures to protect the rights and interests of the TRNC at any cost.”

THE ISSUE OF F-16 PROCUREMENT AFTER THE ELECTIONS IN THE US

Ministry sources, in response to questions about whether there will be any problems in F-16 procurement after the US elections, said:

“Contracts have been signed regarding the F-16s, and the process is continuing positively. Turkey-US relations are based on common values and interests despite the problems that arise from time to time. Our countries are two important members of NATO, the world's most dominant security organization, which has left 75 years behind. We believe that Turkey-US relations will continue to progress on the basis of strategic alliance, independent of the US election results.”

News Source: İHA