A clear response from the Ministry of National Defense to Greece's audacious demand: Unacceptable.

05.02.2026 16:10

In his recent statement, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's remarks that 12 miles in the Aegean is "indispensable" were met with reaction in Ankara. In a statement from the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), it was emphasized that Turkey's stance on the claims of extending territorial waters to 12 miles in the Aegean Sea is clear, stating, "This approach is contrary to international law and unacceptable."

At the press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, evaluations regarding the latest developments were made.

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB), in its assessment regarding the Aegean Sea, responded to the statements of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about extending territorial waters to 12 miles. Stating that Turkey's position is clear, the MSB emphasized that the sharing of maritime jurisdiction areas can only be possible within the framework of dialogue and good faith, stating, "Unilateral actions, claims, and statements that violate the rights of the Turkish side are contrary to international law and unacceptable." The MSB reported that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to carry out their duty to protect rights and interests in maritime jurisdiction areas in line with the understanding of "Blue Homeland."

Within the scope of ongoing operations and search-and-destroy activities during the week; 5 PKK terrorists surrendered, and mine and improvised explosive device detection and destruction activities in caves, shelters, and hideouts continued in the operation areas. With the destruction of a 2-kilometer tunnel in Manbij, the total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas reached 755 kilometers (Tel Rifat: 302 / Manbij 453).

644 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED

With the gradual security system and technology-supported measures, the fight against illegal crossings and smuggling continued uninterrupted along the borders throughout the week; 125 individuals were captured, including 16 members of terrorist organizations, bringing the total number of those caught attempting to cross illegally since January 1 to 644.

Along with the 1486 suspicious individuals prevented during the week, the total number of individuals prevented this year reached 5,890. Additionally, during the search-and-destroy operations conducted along the Hakkari and Van border lines this week, a total of 77 kilograms (77,338 grams) of narcotic substances were seized.

"WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING THE INTEGRATION IN SYRIA"

Evaluating the agreement made between the Syrian Government and the SDF, MSB sources stated: "We welcome the signing of a new agreement aimed at integration between the Syrian Government and the SDF on January 30. We are closely monitoring the process on the ground. We emphasize once again the importance of implementing the integration in a way that strengthens Syria's unitary structure and the principle of 'one state, one army,' and we expect all planned activities to be carried out based on transparency and mutual trust. We hope that the peace, tranquility, and stability environment that the local people have longed for will be established as soon as possible. We assess that the assignments to be made within the scope of the integration process will be carried out based on evaluations that the Syrian authorities will make with state wisdom and security investigations that will yield positive results."

TSK TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO'S LARGEST EXERCISE

Stating that the TSK has successfully operated in many geographies within the scope of multinational missions, Aktürk said, "The Turkish Armed Forces will participate in Steadfast Dart 2026, NATO's largest exercise of 2026, which will be conducted in Germany between February 8-20, with a force of approximately 2,000 personnel consisting of land and naval elements. Additionally, it is planned for our 573-strong land element to move to the exercise area following a ceremony to be held at Çorlu Airport on February 7 with our A-400M military transport aircraft. With the exercise, the Turkish Armed Forces will deploy a force of approximately 2,000 personnel 6,450 kilometers/3,480 nautical miles from its borders, and subsequently test their combat capabilities with associated exercises. The ability to deploy such a large force as far north as Europe and subsequently engage in combat demonstrates the strength of the Turkish Armed Forces within NATO," he stated.

CONDEMNATION OF ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON GAZA

Addressing regional developments, Aktürk condemned Israel's attacks on Gaza, stating, "We condemn Israel's attacks that have led to the loss of many innocent lives in Gaza during a period when we expect a lasting ceasefire to be established."

Emphasizing that Israel's attacks on Lebanon also harm stability, Aktürk stated that Israel must comply with the Peace Plan adopted by the United Nations Security Council and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

EMPHASIS ON DEFENSE INDUSTRY AND INVENTORY

Stating that the capabilities of the TSK have been enhanced with domestic and national products in the defense industry, Aktürk announced that various amounts of CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles have been added to the inventory for the first time by the Land Forces Command, and that HGK-84 guidance kits have been delivered to the Air Force Command. Aktürk also reported that the ASELSAN-produced ALP 100-G Low Altitude Radar System, seeker head radars, and SİPER-1 Medium Range Air and Missile Defense System Battery have been added to the inventory.

In evaluations regarding the latest situation in Syria, the Ministry of National Defense reported that the new agreement signed between the Syrian government and the SDF on January 30 aimed at integration was welcomed. The statement emphasized that the integration should strengthen Syria's unitary structure, stating, "We emphasize once again the importance of implementing the integration in a way that strengthens Syria's unitary structure and the principle of 'one state, one army,' and we expect all planned activities to be carried out based on transparency and mutual trust. We hope that the peace, tranquility, and stability environment that the local people have longed for will be established as soon as possible. We assess that the assignments to be made within the scope of the integration process will be carried out based on evaluations that the Syrian authorities will make with state wisdom and security investigations that will yield positive results," the statement said.

"OUR ELEMENTS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO SOMALIA'S FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM"

In evaluations regarding the Somali-Turkish Task Force and Air Element Command operating in Somalia, the MSB reported that military aid, training, and consultancy activities are ongoing. The statement included the following expressions:

"Our Somali-Turkish Task Force and Air Element Command stationed in Somalia continue to contribute to the development of Somalia's capacity to fight terrorism through military aid, training, and consultancy activities.

TURKEY-EGYPT MILITARY COOPERATION

The statement also mentioned the Military Framework Agreement signed between Turkey and Egypt, recalling that the agreement was signed on February 4, 2026, in Cairo. The Ministry of National Defense stated, "The Military Framework Agreement between the government of the Republic of Turkey and the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt was signed in Cairo under the presidency of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Egyptian President Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi."

The statement emphasized that the aim is to develop defense cooperation with the agreement, stating, "It is aimed to enhance defense cooperation through the exchange of information and expertise in the identified military cooperation areas."