Is the terrorist organization advancing in Syria? Ministry of National Defense sources have provided the final answer.

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated that the cooperation in the defense field that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will establish with the new administration of Syria is seen as an important opportunity not only for the interests of the two countries but also for the stability of the region.

MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk expressed that the Ministry successfully continues its duties and activities for the survival of the state and the security of the nation within a broad strategic vision framework at the 50th and last press briefing of the year.

Stating that a new page has been opened after a dark period in Syria, Aktürk said, "We support steps towards peace, tranquility, and stability, and we express that the territorial integrity and unitary structure of our southern neighbor must be preserved."

Rear Admiral Aktürk used the following statements regarding the new era in Syria:

"We emphasize once again that we support the call for a single army by the new administration in Syria and their efforts, that we desire to work together with the Syrian administration in the fight against terrorism, and that there is no place for any terrorist formation, including ISIS, PKK/YPG, and their extensions, in the future of Syria and our region, and we will not allow them. Our efforts to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrians will continue, and we will continue to stand by the Syrian people as we have until now."

In the upcoming period, we see the cooperation that our Turkish Armed Forces will establish with the new administration of Syria in the defense field as an important opportunity not only for the interests of the two countries but also for the peace and stability of our region. We believe that Turkey's strong defense industry infrastructure, experiences in defense technologies, and counter-terrorism experience will significantly contribute to enhancing Syria's security and defense capacity.

62 TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED IN THE LAST WEEK

Pointing out that preventive and destructive operations carried out domestically and across borders to completely eliminate the terrorist threat against Turkey continue resolutely, Aktürk noted:

"In the last week, there have been 72 harassment and attack attempts against our units, including 17 in Iraq and 55 in the Syria operation areas. With the immediate and proportional responses to these harassments and attacks, which also harm civilians in the region, and ongoing operations, 62 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week, including northern Iraq and Syria. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized this year has reached 3,021."

Aktürk also reported that during the past week, 2 PKK terrorists surrendered to border posts, and a large number of weapons, ammunition, and supplies were seized in a cave identified during search and seizure operations in northern Iraq.

95,340 PEOPLE PREVENTED AT THE BORDERS

Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that smuggling, illegal crossings, and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism are protected by effective and modern technology-based measures taken in border security, saying, "In the last week, 85 individuals have been captured, including 8 members of terrorist organizations, and since January 1, the number of those caught while attempting to cross our borders illegally has reached 13,830. With the 527 individuals prevented in the last week, the total number of people prevented this year has reached 95,340."

CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL STABILITY AND BILATERAL RELATIONS

Emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their training and advisory activities successfully in international missions with friendly and allied countries, Aktürk noted:

"Our Minister attended the 'Annual Commanders Meeting of the Naval Forces Command' on December 20, and on December 21, he conducted inspections and audits at the 6th Corps and Joint Special Task Command Headquarters located in Kilis/Çıldıroba with the Command Staff, held a video teleconference meeting with the participation of unit commanders from both domestic and overseas, and then visited the 2nd Armored Brigade Command in Gaziantep/İslahiye to receive information about the activities. On December 24, our Minister visited the site of the explosion at the ammunition factory in Balıkesir/Karesi, conducted inspections, and visited the injured. On the same day, he had a phone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of Defense regarding bilateral relations and regional defense and security issues, especially Syria. On December 25, he met with the Iraqi Interior Minister at our Ministry, and then met with our Foreign Minister. Today, he will host the Chief of General Staff of Saudi Arabia, who is visiting our country as an official guest of our Chief of General Staff."

Aktürk emphasized that Israel should end its intervention in Syria during a period when it is trying to overcome the devastating effects of a civil war lasting more than 13 years, stating, "We reiterate that Israel must fully comply with the ceasefire agreement signed with Lebanon and accept a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible. The Palestinian people, who have been under intense bombardment for over a year, now face the risk of hunger and infectious diseases. The international community must no longer ignore what is happening. We once again express that peace and stability must prevail in our region and that the suffering of the Palestinian people must come to an end."

TRAINING AND EXERCISE ACTIVITIES

Aktürk pointed out that the training and exercise activities of the Turkish Armed Forces continue uninterrupted, stating, "The Turkey-Pakistan Joint Sat Exercise, which started in Pakistan on December 17, will conclude today. As part of the rotation of the European Union Force Althea Operation Maneuver Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our motorized infantry company, which will take over the mission from Italy on January 1, 2025, has completed its transfer on December 20."

DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that domestic and national defense industry products are an integral part of survival, and with their contribution, the capabilities and capacities of the Turkish Armed Forces are increasing day by day, noting:

"In this context, various amounts of 'New Generation Howitzer' have been added to the inventory by our Land Forces Command, and the inspection and acceptance activities of the '122 mm Multiple Rocket Launcher (ÇNRA) Vehicle', '40 mm Rotary Grenade Launcher', and 'Backpack Type Jammer System' have been completed. A memorandum of understanding regarding the 'Jet Training Aircraft Project' has been signed between our Presidency of Defense Industries and the Spanish Ministry of Defense on December 20. We congratulate our Presidency of Defense Industries and all those involved once again for this historic agreement."

RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS AND PERSONNEL

Aktürk stated that the recruitment activities for personnel and military students are continuing as planned, and mentioned that the applications for "Recruitment of Workers from Disabled Individuals and Those Injured in the Fight Against Terrorism to be Employed by the Ministry of National Defense in 2024," which started on December 23, will end tomorrow.

Aktürk also stated that the applications for "Contracted Personnel Recruitment," which started on November 28, will continue until December 28, and the applications for "Civil Servant Recruitment," which started on December 20, will continue until January 20, 2025, within the scope of personnel recruitment for the "Ministry of National Defense, General Staff, Force Commands, and National Defense University."

After the press briefing held at the Ministry, MSB sources answered questions from journalists.

Regarding questions about the role of the Turkish Armed Forces in supporting the defense and security of Syria in the new period, the following was recorded:

"We are following and supporting the efforts of the new administration in Syria to make state organs operational. In line with the directives of our President, initiatives will be made with our counterparts to establish strategic relations between the two countries and to establish cooperation in various fields. In this context, cooperation in the field of defense is critical not only for strengthening our security but also for establishing regional peace and tranquility. The TSK will continue to stand by the Syrian people and provide support in matters that fall within its area of responsibility during this transition period. Our preparations are ongoing under the coordination of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the state organs in Syria become operational, actions will be taken according to the roadmap to be prepared through mutual discussions with our counterparts."

THE LATEST SITUATION IN SYRIA

Sources from the Ministry of National Defense conveyed the following regarding questions about the latest situation in Syria:

"A new era has begun in Syria. Syria now belongs to the Syrians. Just as we have been until today, we will continue to stand by the Syrian people. In this context, we will work closely with the new administration to ensure Syria's territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability without compromising the fight against terrorism.

The control of Manbij and the Tishrin Dam is entirely in the hands of the Syrian National Army. The terrorist organization is trying to create a perception in the public by deliberately spreading disinformation as it makes its last-ditch efforts. The statements made by the terrorist organization regarding progress in these regions have no relation to the reality on the ground.

It is necessary not to believe the lies of the terrorist organization that is trying to present itself in a good light. The PKK/YPG terrorist organization will either lay down its arms or be eliminated. Those who are not Syrian citizens but are part of the terrorist organization will leave Syria. Syrian citizens will also lay down their arms, and it will be determined by the Syrian administration whether and how they will be integrated into the new system. We convey through our statements and discussions with the new Syrian administration that the terrorist organization has no choice but to lay down its arms, and our determination in this regard is complete and absolute. We observe that we are in agreement with the new Syrian administration on this matter."

VIOLATION OF THE AIRSPACE OF THE TRNC BY A FRENCH FIGHTER JET

Ministry sources stated the following regarding the violation of the airspace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by a French fighter jet:

"We are closely monitoring any developments that could pose a threat to the security of the TRNC. We would like to express that flights belonging to France are being closely monitored in the region and coordinated. The French Military Attaché has been invited to our Ministry regarding the incident in question, and our sensitivities in the region have been conveyed. Necessary evaluations are being made with our French counterparts while keeping communication channels open. We continue to take the necessary military and political measures to ensure the security of the TRNC and to protect its rights and interests against all activities that violate international law. Just as in the past, we will continue to take all necessary measures for the security, peace, and welfare of the Turkish Cypriots, no matter the cost, within the framework of guarantee and alliance agreements."

HIGH DISCIPLINE BOARD

Regarding the meeting scheduled for January 16, 2025, concerning the lieutenants referred to the High Discipline Board, sources stated, "The High Discipline Board will convene on January 16 to evaluate the situation of the lieutenants. Currently, the defenses of the lieutenants are being taken. The day the YDK evaluates all the data is January 16. If a decision is made on January 16, it is expected that the prepared 'reasoned decision' will be shared with the public afterwards."