As tensions rise regarding Syrian refugees, Minister Güler sends a clear message.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler spoke at the video teleconference meeting held at the Ministry, attended by the TSK Command Cadres, Deputy Ministers, and unit commanders.

Providing information about ongoing activities, especially the fight against terrorism, and giving instructions, Minister Yaşar Güler said the following at the meeting; "I would like to start my words by stating that the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group, which was established in order to ensure maritime security against the mine threat in the Black Sea together with Romania and Bulgaria under the leadership of our country, became active with the ceremony held on July 1st and will serve under the command of our Naval Forces for 6 months starting from today."

"INCREASING ASYMMETRIC RISKS THREATEN SECURITY"

You are closely following the increasing asymmetric risks and threats to security, peace, stability, and prosperity, especially in our immediate vicinity, which prioritizes defense and security. In such a sensitive period, the heroic and self-sacrificing personnel of our esteemed Turkish Armed Forces, the apple of our nation's eye, successfully fulfill all the tasks they undertake with intense effort and dedication to protect the rights and interests of our country. In this context, our operations, which are carried out based on speed, originality, and tempo, have been continued uninterrupted during the Eid al-Adha holiday as well.

"TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE CRUSHED UNDER THE STEEL CLAWS OF OUR SOLDIERS"

Thanks to the intense pressure we have put on the terrorist organization, we see that the number of people joining the terrorist organization has almost reached zero and the number of terrorists surrendering is increasing. We also know that the so-called leaders of the organization leave the operation areas and escape to what they consider to be safer rear areas with various excuses. Wherever the members of the terrorist organization escape, they will not be able to escape from being crushed under the steel claws of our soldiers, and our fight against terrorism will continue without hesitation. The inevitable end for the collapsing terrorist organization is approaching day by day.

On the other hand, we absolutely reject the so-called autonomous administration and local election activities that we see as a stage of the terrorist organization's efforts to establish an artificial terrorist state in northern Syria. These attempts to divide Syria and imprison the will of its people are futile. I would like to remind you that we will never allow the separatist organization to establish a 'terror corridor' just beyond our southern borders. I would like to remind you that our country has prevented the intended terrorist corridor with the operations carried out within the scope of legitimate defense, contributed to the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and Iraq, and continues to maintain its respectful stance within this framework.

"ATTEMPTS TO DISRUPT PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE UNSUCCESSFUL"

Furthermore, the negative perception and increasing tensions that have been attempted to be created recently regarding Syrian refugees are closely monitored. The attempts of some elements that operate against Turkey to disrupt public order will be unsuccessful thanks to the dedicated efforts of all units of our state. In the context of the protection of our national wealth, our forests, we provide the necessary support for extinguishing the increasing forest fires with our aircraft and self-sacrificing personnel. In this context, in the forest fires that occurred in 6 different locations, a total of 14 helicopters, 5 fire extinguishing vehicles, 499 sorties, and 962 tons of water were used to contribute to the extinguishing of the fire.

On the other hand, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, which stopped the hand reaching out to the Turkish Cypriots, on July 20th. The fact that how just and necessary this operation, which we carried out as a guarantor country within the framework of international law, is understood from the security environment that has emerged and continues to this day. Our stance regarding a two-state solution in the island and the support we provide to our kinsmen will continue. In the midst of all these intense activities, the heroic soldiers are determined and committed to fulfilling any task given to them for the security and well-being of our country and the peace and security of our noble nation. On this occasion, I wish success to all my comrades-in-arms, and I kiss you all from your eyes. May your path and fortune be open."