16.10.2025 13:12
Following the call from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli stating that "the closure of military hospitals was a mistake, reopening them would be a virtue," the Ministry of National Defense made a statement. Ministry sources said, "In line with the directives given by our esteemed President, efforts are ongoing to update the military healthcare system to best meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces."
The Press and Public Relations Advisor of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spoke at the weekly press briefing held at the ministry.
CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:
We believe that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which we welcome, is an important step towards establishing lasting peace in the region. We hope that this development will serve as a beginning that will open the door to a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable peace and ultimately contribute to the goal of a two-state solution.
FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
The Turkish Armed Forces, which are resolutely continuing their fight against terrorism and taking effective measures for border security for our safety and security, have, in the last week, seen 1 PKK terrorist surrender, and the length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas has reached 672 kilometers (Tel Rıfat: 278 / Manbij: 394).
At our borders; 272 individuals attempting to cross illegally have been caught, and 1,020 individuals have been prevented from crossing the border. Thus, since January 1, the number of those caught while attempting to cross our borders illegally has reached 7,743, and the number of those prevented has reached 53,892.
Additionally, a total of 94 kilograms (93,800 grams) of narcotic substances have been seized during search and seizure operations conducted along the border lines of Iğdır, Hakkâri, and Van.
THE LATEST SITUATION IN SYRIA
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense stated the following regarding the tripartite meeting held in Ankara with the Syrian delegation on October 12 and questions about the integration of the terrorist organization SDF into the Syrian army:
"As you are aware, the new Syrian government continues its diligent efforts to restructure all its institutions and units to establish stability and security in the country. In this context, we are continuing our efforts to increase coordination and cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Defense to enhance Syria's security capacity and contribute to the establishment of stability and security by clearing the region of terrorism.
During the tripartite meeting held in Ankara on October 12, discussions were held regarding steps to be taken to increase Syria's capacity building and to develop cooperation with Syria.
We are determined to support the principle of 'One State, One Army' in line with Syria's stability and security. In this context, the integration of the SDF terrorist organization into the Syrian Army is of critical importance. Regarding this issue, we are coordinating with our counterparts in Turkey and closely monitoring the process."
THE REOPENING OF MILITARY HOSPITALS
Ministry sources, in response to questions regarding the reopening of military hospitals on the agenda, stated, "In line with the directives given by our esteemed President, efforts are ongoing to update the military health system to best meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces."
GAZA TASK FORCE
In response to questions about which elements will be included in the "Gaza Task Force" that has come to the fore after the ceasefire in Gaza, ministry sources stated:
"Considering the humanitarian tragedy that has been ongoing in Gaza for two years, the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the region and the reconstruction of the destroyed infrastructure have become a priority. As you know, the Turkish Armed Forces is ready to undertake any mission assigned to it in the establishment and maintenance of peace, within the framework of international law, based on the experience it has gained from previous peace missions. Work regarding the task force is being carried out in coordination with the relevant institutions of our state. Developments regarding the issue will be shared with the public."
WHAT DID BAHÇELİ SAY?
The Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, described the closure of military hospitals as a "mistake" during his party's group meeting. The MHP leader stated, "I expect military hospitals to be reactivated, and I express that we will do our utmost in this regard. Closing military hospitals was a mistake, but reopening them will be a virtue."