12.03.2026 12:21
The Ministry of National Defense stated, "Incirlik is a Turkish base. The presence of American soldiers there does not mean it is an American base. There are also military personnel from Spain, Poland, and Qatar present there."
After the downing of 2 Iranian missiles in Turkish airspace, the Incirlik Base in Adana has come back into the spotlight. The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) put an end to the discussions regarding Incirlik, which is commonly referred to as a U.S. base, with the statement, "It is a Turkish base."
In the weekly press briefing, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) shared details about critical developments on the agenda, ranging from regional security to counter-terrorism, border security to international exercises:
"The Turkish Armed Forces continues its struggle against risks and threats directed at survival and security with determination. Within the scope of ongoing operations and search-and-rescue activities, 4 PKK terrorists surrendered during the week.
Additionally, with the destruction of 3 kilometers of tunnels in the last week, 95% of the tunnel networks identified in Manbij (462 km) have been successfully destroyed, bringing the total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas to 764 kilometers (Tel Rifat: 302 / Manbij: 462).
THE NUMBER OF THOSE CAUGHT AT THE BORDER HAS REACHED 1278 THIS YEAR
In security operations conducted at the borders, 78 people were caught and 1733 people were prevented in the last week. Thus, the number of those caught this year has reached 1278, while the number of those prevented has risen to 13,493.
"INCIRLIK BELONGS TO THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY WITH ALL ITS FACILITIES"
Incirlik is a Turkish base. Our 10th Main Jet Base Command, which operates under the Command of the Air Force in Eskişehir, is located in Adana Incirlik. Our 10th Main Jet Base Command houses our F-16 fleet, tanker fleet, and UAVs. The ownership, along with all its facilities, belongs to the Republic of Turkey. The base commander is our Turkish Brigadier General. The presence of American soldiers there does not mean it is an American base. There are also military personnel from Spain, Poland, and Qatar present there."
"GREECE'S INITIATIVES ARE BOTH ILLEGAL AND DAMAGE OUR NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS"
The Eastern Aegean Islands were transferred to Greece under the conditions of non-military status as per the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. Limni (Treaty of Lausanne) and Kerpe Islands (Paris Peace Treaty) are islands that should have a non-military status. The non-military status is established as a fundamental condition of the treaties. Therefore, violating the non-military status constitutes a fundamental breach, and these fait accompli efforts do not legally result in the termination of the non-military status unilaterally. This issue has also been expressed by the highest levels of our state.
Greece's initiatives that violate the status of the islands contrary to duly concluded treaties create legal violations and damage our neighborly and allied relations. It is unacceptable for such situations to occur among NATO allies in the face of ongoing security crises in our geography.
We express that we do not accept Greece's attempts that do not serve the real purpose and aim to exploit the crises occurring in our region, and we have taken all necessary measures in this regard.
MEASURES TAKEN FOR THE TRNC
The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the preservation of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean are of strategic importance for Turkey, and our stance on this issue is clear and unchanging.
Following the missile and drone threat originating from the conflicts between the U.S.-Israel and Iran, our air and air defense elements deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus aim to strengthen deterrence, support the security of the airspace, and enhance our rapid reaction capability against potential threats. These additional measures we have taken will contribute to the security of not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but the entire island.
As is known, Turkey is a guarantor country in Cyprus. In an environment where some non-guarantor countries are sending military elements to the island of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, the measures taken by Turkey are a legitimate, appropriate, and balanced security approach. We are sufficient for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkey acts with an understanding that preserves peace and stability, not one that increases tension in the region. The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is our security. Furthermore, we will not allow any hostile attitude or fait accompli targeting the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots; we will not hesitate to exercise the rights and authorities granted by our guarantorship.
THE PATRIOT SYSTEM DEPLOYED IN MALATYA
Within the scope of the ongoing violent conflicts between the U.S.-Israel and Iran, two ballistic munitions fired from Iran at different times towards our country have been neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements.
In response to the developments, in addition to the national measures we have taken to ensure the security of our airspace and our citizens, consultation mechanisms with our NATO allies have been effectively activated. In this context, a patriot system assigned by NATO Allied Air Command from Ramstein/Germany is being deployed to Malatya as a complementary element of the air defense architecture.
NATO is a security alliance that has the will to protect the airspace and territories of allied countries; Turkey, with its geostrategic position, strong army, and critical role on the southeastern flank of the Alliance, is one of the most important elements of this structure.
These steps aim to strengthen the common security of both Turkey and NATO with a defense, deterrence, and allied solidarity understanding.
WHY WAS THE S-400 NOT USED AGAINST MISSILES?
Our country's air and missile defense activities are conducted within a multi-layered structure in line with threat assessments and operational needs. In this context, the most suitable defense element is determined by considering the engagement rules and the current operational picture.
Turkey is part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense system. This system consists of early warning sensors, command control systems, and intercept missiles.
When a ballistic missile is detected, due to the very short intervention time, the system automatically selects and fires the most suitable and fastest interception means.
The most suitable and effective defense elements have been activated to successfully destroy the munitions directed at our country.
Details are coming...