31.12.2025 12:22
While the PKK's Syrian branch, the SDF, continues to resist integration with the Syrian army, a striking message has come from the Ministry of National Defense. As the deadline given to the SDF by Turkey approaches, the MSB stated, "We are closely monitoring the integration process and continuing our close cooperation with the Syrian government in line with the principle of 'One State, One Army.' If the Syrian government decides to take an initiative for unity and integrity, Turkey will support it."
The Ministry of National Defense sources made a statement at the last press briefing of the year.
In the statement from the ministry, it was said, "The operations and search-and-rescue activities of our Turkish Armed Forces, which continue to fight against the risks and threats directed at our survival and security with determination both within and beyond our borders, are ongoing without interruption."
This week, 3 PKK terrorists surrendered, bringing the total number of terrorists who have surrendered this year to 111.
The statement noted that a large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials seized in caves, shelters, and hideouts belonging to terrorists identified in operation areas, especially in Pençe-Kilit, have been rendered unusable.
BORDER SECURITY
In the last week, 136 individuals attempting to cross our borders illegally were caught, while 1186 individuals were prevented from doing so.
The information provided by the ministry emphasized that the success figures in our borders, protected by the most intense and effective measures in the history of the Republic, are also reflected in the statistics.
In 2025, the number of individuals caught while attempting to cross our borders illegally was 9,942, and the number of individuals prevented was 66,794.
In the search-and-rescue operations carried out by border units, which continue their reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrolling activities without interruption; along the border lines of Hakkari and Van, 101 kilograms of drugs seized this week, along with a total of 1982 kilograms of drugs seized this year, were handed over to law enforcement agencies.
The statement included, "Our Turkish Armed Forces are determined and resolute to raise the bar of success and effectiveness achieved in the fight against terrorism and border security even higher in 2026."
"WE HOPE NEXT YEAR WILL BE A YEAR WHERE THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE ATTAIN THE RIGHT TO LIVE"
The statement from the ministry also addressed the attacks of the killer Israel against Palestine.
"For more than two years, Israel has continued to create instability and lawlessness at both regional and global levels. The international community has been inadequate in stopping Israel's brutal massacres and inhumane practices against the Palestinian people; it has also failed to prevent the threats to the sovereignty of regional countries and the chaos it has created in the region. We hope that next year will be a year of peace for the region and Palestine, where the people of Palestine attain their right to live, and regional security and stability are ensured."
MINISTRY'S STATEMENT ON SDG
In a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, information was provided regarding the latest situation in Syria:
"SDG continues to express demands for decentralization and federalism and is not taking steps to integrate with the central authority. As we have emphasized before, this attitude of the SDG harms the territorial integrity and stability of Syria.
We are closely monitoring the integration process while maintaining close cooperation with the Syrian government in line with the principle of 'One State, One Army.' If the Syrian government decides to take an initiative for unity and integrity, Turkey will support it."
The ministry made the following statement regarding the procurement of F-35s:
"In line with the needs of our Air Force Command, the activities of acquiring modern fighter jets equipped with advanced technology, diversifying the inventory, and increasing deterrence capacity continue until our national aircraft KAAN enters service.
We assess that the momentum of defense industry cooperation with the USA will increase if the CAATSA sanctions are lifted. Efforts regarding the lifting of these sanctions and the procurement of F-35s are ongoing."