04.06.2026 12:20
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) reported that they are closely monitoring the recent acceleration of armament activities and military initiatives of Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) in the region. Emphasizing that Turkey favors peace, stability, and good neighborly relations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, the Ministry announced that all necessary measures for the security of the country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are being taken by the Turkish Armed Forces.
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, spoke at the weekly press briefing held at the 2nd Main Jet Base Command/Çiğli.
Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows;
COUNTER-TERRORISM AND BORDER SECURITY
In the last two weeks, 6 more PKK terrorists have surrendered, 698 individuals, including 7 terrorist organization members, were caught while trying to cross our borders illegally, and 4,219 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. Thus, from January 1st to date, the number of surrendered terrorists has reached 99, the number of those caught while trying to cross our borders illegally has reached 3,860, and the number of prevented individuals has reached 34,389. Additionally, in the last two weeks, 79 kilograms (78,913 g) of drugs were seized during search and sweep activities on the Van border line.
ISRAEL
Within the scope of developments in our region; Israel's aggressive and expansionist attitude in the Middle East is worsening the humanitarian situation in the region day by day. Israel, on one hand, is expanding the areas it occupies in Lebanon, forcing Lebanese into permanent migration, and on the other hand, is turning a blind eye to the provocative actions of Israeli extremist groups at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In the face of these actions, which constitute a clear violation of international law and target peace and stability in the region, we once again emphasize that the international community must increase pressure on Israel and take concrete steps. Additionally, we reiterate the importance of the negotiations between Iran and the US resulting in lasting peace for our region, and we hope that the parties act with common sense and constructiveness.
Following the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, statements were made by the Ministry in response to the questions of press members. The Ministry made the following statement;
SECURITY MEASURES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE NATO SUMMIT
All security measures for the NATO summit are being taken in coordination with our state's relevant institutions and NATO authorities.
INCREASE IN ARMAMENT PURCHASES BY GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
We are closely and carefully monitoring the recent armament activities and military initiatives of Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration in the region. While our country is in favor of peace, stability, and good neighborly relations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, it maintains its determination to protect its rights and interests. Our Turkish Armed Forces are taking all necessary measures for the security of our country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
What our region needs is to strengthen the environment of cooperation and dialogue based on international law, rather than steps that increase armament races and tension. However, the increase in Greece's defense spending is primarily an issue for the Greek people to consider.
INCIDENT IN ONE OF OUR BRIGADES
Preserving and maintaining established discipline in the Turkish Armed Forces is non-negotiable. As we have emphasized before, our Turkish Armed Forces view all incidents with an understanding of discipline and carry out procedures within the framework of relevant legislation. The Ministry has granted permission for an investigation regarding the said incident. Regardless of rank or position, whatever is necessary will be done to anyone in the Turkish Armed Forces who acts against discipline and laws.