13.03.2025 12:10
The Ministry of National Defense made evaluations regarding the agreement signed between the Syrian administration and the SDF. The Ministry stated, "We will examine how the provided agreement will be implemented and its reflections on the field. We will closely monitor its positive or negative outcomes." Sources indicated that the expected proposal regarding the Eurofighter procurement has arrived, and the review process of the proposal is ongoing.
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The Press-Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, held a weekly press briefing at the War Academy on the occasion of the 89th anniversary of Atatürk's entrance to the Military Academy.
COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATIONS
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:
As part of counter-terrorism operations; 24 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week. Thus, a total of 502 terrorists have been neutralized since January 1, with 296 in northern Syria and 206 in northern Iraq. Our struggle will continue uninterrupted until the last terrorist is eliminated as a threat to our country.
BORDER SECURITY
In the last week; 107 individuals attempting to cross our borders illegally, 5 of whom were identified as members of terrorist organizations, have been captured, bringing the total number of those apprehended at our borders since January 1 to 1,016. Together with the 1,514 individuals prevented in the last week, the total number of people attempting to cross our borders illegally this year has reached 14,048. We will continue to ensure security with intense and effective measures at our borders.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NEW SYRIAN ADMINISTRATION AND THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SDF
Ministry sources made the following evaluations in response to questions regarding the agreement signed between the new Syrian administration and the terrorist organization SDF:
"We will look at how the agreement reached will be implemented and its reflections on the ground. We will closely monitor its positive or negative results and clear outcomes. As Turkey, our determination in the fight against terrorism continues; there is no change in our expectations regarding the cessation of terrorist activities in Syria, the disarmament of terrorists, and the removal of foreign terrorists from Syria, as well as our determination to ensure Syria's territorial and political integrity."
Additionally, our Military Attaché, who has recently started his duties in Syria, will be received by the Syrian Minister of Defense today. As we have previously stated, a military delegation from our Ministry will visit Syria in the coming days."
EUROPEAN SECURITY ARCHITECTURE AND THE CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF'S VISIT TO PARIS
Ministry sources made the following statements in response to questions regarding the European Security Architecture and the visit of Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak to Paris:
"As a NATO and OSCE member and a candidate country for the EU, Turkey is an integral part of the European security architecture with its developing defense industry, significant roles in resolving regional crises, and strong military.
Recent developments have once again highlighted our country's importance in ensuring European security. During the visit of the UK Defense Minister to our Ministry today, bilateral and regional defense and security issues, as well as cooperation in the defense industry, will be discussed, particularly regarding Ukraine and European security.
Additionally, our Chief of General Staff participated in the Chiefs of Staff Meeting section of the Defense and Security Forum held in Paris on March 10-11, 2025.
During the meeting, common approaches and constructive solutions regarding the existing security architecture were discussed in light of current developments. Furthermore, Turkey continues its bilateral contacts on the matter. Our country, which holds an important place in the European security architecture, is ready to fulfill its responsibilities in this regard."
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE YAŞAR GÜLER'S VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA
Ministry sources, in response to questions regarding Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler's visit to Saudi Arabia on March 11-12, stated: "During our Minister's visit, bilateral and regional defense and security issues were discussed. Additionally, mutual exchanges of views on cooperation in the defense industry to be carried out in the upcoming period were also held. Our relations with Saudi Arabia are improving day by day. The recent visit has been productive and quite positive from our perspective."
STATUS OF EUROFIGHTER PROCUREMENT
Ministry sources, in response to questions regarding Eurofighter procurement, stated:
"We previously announced that the Needs Definition Document prepared for the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to meet the operational needs of our Air Force has been sent to the UK Ministry of Defense and the relevant company, and we are awaiting a proposal. The expected proposal has reached our Ministry, and the proposal review process is ongoing."
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