22.12.2024 12:30
The Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, the Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gürak, and the Commander of the Naval Forces, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, conducted an inspection at the Syrian border. Minister Güler stated, "We believe that the Syrian National Army will liberate all the occupied territories. Our priority is the immediate elimination of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization and the realization of the transition process in Syria."
```html
Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, accompanied by Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak, Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Land Forces General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, and Commander of the Air Forces General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, held a video teleconference meeting in Kilis/Çıldıroba.
During his inspections and audits at the Main Command Site of the 6th Corps and the Joint Special Task Command in the Syrian border region, Minister Yaşar Güler stated the following in the video teleconference meeting attended by the commanders of units both inside the country and across the border: The crisis that began in Syria in 2011 and the ensuing unstable environment have provided opportunities for the PKK-YPG and ISIS terrorist organizations to gain ground in Syria and have posed a threat to our border security. It should be reminded that prior to our operations in Syria, there were attacks and actions by the PKK/PYD and ISIS terrorist organizations within our country.
"MORE THAN 600 OF OUR CITIZENS HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES" As a result of these attacks and actions; 50 in Reyhanlı, 34 in Suruç, 109 in Ankara, 45 in Istanbul, 59 in Gaziantep, and 22 in Kilis, more than 600 of our citizens have lost their lives, and more than 1,000 of our citizens have been injured. Additionally, prior to our cross-border operations, numerous attacks were carried out against our provinces and districts as well as our residential areas from Syrian territory.
- Before the Euphrates Shield Operation, a total of 95 attacks were made on Kilis;
- Before the Olive Branch Operation, 53 attacks were made on Kilis and 109 on Hatay;
- Before the Peace Spring Operation, a total of 1,546 missile and mortar attacks were carried out, including 407 on Mardin, 632 on Şanlıurfa, 241 on Şırnak, and 9 on Gaziantep.
"THE ONLY ARMY FIGHTING FACE TO FACE WITH ISIS IS THE TURKISH ARMY" As seen, Turkey has paid a heavy price before entering Syria, and in return, it has conducted cross-border operations that began with the Euphrates Shield Operation to make the terrorist organizations pay the price and to ensure the security of our borders and our noble nation. In this context, the only army fighting face to face with ISIS on the ground is the Turkish Army. In the Euphrates Shield Operation, 67 of our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred. Our army has shattered the terrorist corridor that was intended to be established with its successful operations and has made great efforts for the normalization of life for the people in the operation areas. As you know, the bloody regime in Syria has been overthrown, and a new era has begun. The real owner of Syria is now the Syrian people. Just as we have been until now, we will continue to stand by the Syrian people. In this context, we will work closely in cooperation and coordination with the new administration to ensure Syria's territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE SMO WILL LIBERATE ALL OF ITS TERRITORIES" As a result of the process that began on November 27 in Syria, Tel Rıfat was cleared of YPG/PKK terrorist elements on December 2, and Menbic was cleared on December 9 by the Syrian National Army. We believe that the new administration in Syria and the Syrian National Army, which is an important part of it, will liberate all the territories occupied by terrorist organizations together with the Syrian people. We will continue to take all necessary measures with the same determination until all terrorist elements beyond our borders are cleared.
I would like to draw attention to the fact that what is happening in Syria today should not be seen merely as "developments of the last month." The actions of the regime that has oppressed its own people for years and the great efforts of the "real owners" of Syria who say "enough is enough" have brought about better days. At the same time, the success achieved is also a result of the heroic struggle of the Turkish Armed Forces, especially our martyrs and veterans, which began in August 2016 to protect our homeland from beyond its borders, as well as the solidarity and sacrifice shown by our noble nation in welcoming millions of refugees.
Therefore, all actors on the ground should take into account the sacrifices made by our country and the initiatives it has undertaken in the steps to be taken; respect must be shown for our country's sensitivities for a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution. Every statement made and every step taken today must also respect the expectations of the local people and the sacrifices made in this regard. At this stage, Turkey will continue to do its part to establish stability in Syria and ensure the dignified return of refugees.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL ACTORS TO SUPPORT THE NEW ADMINISTRATION" In fact, all actors and our allies active in the region now accept the reality that Turkey is a key to the solution. In this context, it is of great importance for all actors to support the new administration for an inclusive solution and to cooperate with Turkey. It is essential to listen to the demands of the local people who have suffered due to the humanitarian dramas created by years of conflict, to take steps that will preserve the demographic structure, and to adopt a comprehensive approach to build long-term peace.
On the other hand, the presence of terrorist groups continues in northeastern Syria. I would like to emphasize once again that there is no place for terrorist organizations such as PKK/YPG and ISIS in the future of Syria. The PKK/YPG terrorist organization has changed the demographic structure through terror and oppression in the regions it controls. Every step taken by these groups, which pose a threat to the security of our country and Syria, is being monitored, and preventive measures are being taken against them.
"OUR STANCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS IS CLEAR AND DECISIVE" It should be well understood that when the pressure of the terrorist organization is lifted and the displaced local people return to their homes, the real demographic structure of Syria will also emerge. Therefore, any initiative that cannot pass the demographic test is doomed to fail. We will never allow the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, which poses a great threat to Syria's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the security of our region, to take advantage of the instability on the ground. Our stance in the fight against terrorist organizations present in the region is clear and decisive.
```
Our priority is the immediate elimination of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization and the realization of a transition process based on the political and administrative integrity of Syria. We have expressed this to our interlocutors and continue to do so.
The new administration in Syria has also clearly stated its position regarding the elimination of the terrorist organization. Our noble nation can rest assured that we will continue to eradicate all malicious elements that pose a threat to our sacred homeland and the security and peace of our citizens, burying terrorists in the dark pits they belong to. Our cross-border operations will continue as planned and with increasing pressure. Similarly, we will not give terrorists any opportunity in northern Iraq, nor will we allow it. Indeed, with the Pençe-Kilit Operation, the security of our entire border with Iraq has been ensured, closing the key in Zap. We will continue to neutralize terrorists who are trapped in caves, having no room to maneuver in northern Iraq; we will continue to eliminate them in their hideouts. For terrorists, surrendering to the exalted Turkish justice is now the only way out. Otherwise, the only fate awaiting them is annihilation. Every place where terrorists are located is a legitimate target for our Turkish Armed Forces.
Our country, located at the very center of a geography that has experienced significant power struggles throughout history, is a key actor in world politics due to its geopolitical position, strategic importance, and the multidimensional relationships it has established. In the face of rapidly changing dynamics in defense and security, the policies we have produced, drawing from our deep-rooted state tradition, have made our country an indispensable member of negotiation tables. On the other hand, the increasingly complex world politics necessitates close contact and cooperation with friendly and allied countries, particularly in the defense industry and various other fields.
Thanks to the multidimensional diplomacy put forth under the visionary leadership of our President, cooperation with our friends and allies has deepened, and our country's active role in the international community has further increased. This situation is frequently covered in the world press and is also expressed by various leaders. The initiatives undertaken by our Turkish Armed Forces to establish peace and stability in many regions of the world add strength to our country, instill confidence in friendly and allied countries, and serve as a balancing factor in oppressed geographies. In this success story, you, my heroic and self-sacrificing comrades, also play very important roles. It is our fundamental priority to protect the successes we have achieved so far in every field and to elevate them to higher levels with your efforts. I have full confidence that the esteemed members of our glorious army will fulfill their duties with a high sense of duty and responsibility, just as they did yesterday and today. As we enter the year 2025 with new hopes and strong goals, I want to express that we are determined and resolute in carrying out our activities in the best possible way. On this occasion, I congratulate the new year of all my comrades in arms and their valuable families, and I wish my heroic friends great success in their duties.