03.09.2026 12:40
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) denied claims that foreign elements affiliated with the SDF would leave Syria and that some of them would come to Turkey. The Ministry stated that these claims do not reflect the truth, adding, "It is important not to give credence to news and comments other than our official statements."
The Ministry of National Defense held a weekly press briefing.
The highlights of the Ministry's meeting are as follows:
First of all, we extend our condolences to our citizens and our Turkish Cypriot brothers who lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred on August 30th when a passenger ship sailing from Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, to Taşucu/Mersin capsized, and we wish patience to their grieving families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our rescued citizens.
Search and rescue efforts are currently being supported by 7 ships and 11 aircraft, including TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar belonging to our Naval Forces.
Again, search and rescue efforts for the ship that sank and its crew as a result of the collision of two commercial ships off Silivri in the Marmara Sea on September 2nd are being supported in coordination with relevant institutions by 4 ships and 1 UAV belonging to our Naval Forces Command, and 1 aircraft and 1 search and rescue helicopter belonging to our Air Forces Command.
Our Turkish Armed Forces continue to contribute to the establishment of peace and the maintenance of stability in a wide geography within the scope of international missions and bilateral relations.
TÜRKİYE-SYRIA RELATIONS
In this context, the second floating bridge project carried out on the Euphrates River in cooperation with our Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian Armed Forces was completed on August 30th in order to contribute to the establishment of stability in Syria and the normalization of the daily lives of the Syrian people.
This bridge, built in place of the bridge previously destroyed by the flood disaster and which will contribute to facilitating transportation between the two banks of the Euphrates River, is a concrete indicator of the cooperation and solidarity between the armed forces of the two countries.
Türkiye will continue to maintain its support for strengthening Syria's security and stability, developing its institutional capacity, and the peace and welfare of the Syrian people.
On the other hand, the NATO Communicators Conference, where NATO's communication approaches regarding the current security environment and developments in the field of strategic communication will be discussed, will be held between September 7-10 at our Multinational Joint Warfare Center Command in Istanbul.
Additionally, we once again celebrate the September 1st Independence Day of our friendly and brotherly country, Uzbekistan.
HARSH REACTION TO ISRAEL
The expansionist and aggressive attitude of the Israeli Government, which seeks to turn the entire Middle East into a conflict zone, continues before the eyes of the international public.
While Israel continues its military activities that violate the territorial integrity of Syria and Lebanon, on the other hand, it continues to encourage illegal settler terrorism in Palestine and continues its provocative actions that violate the historical and legal status of holy sites in Jerusalem, which belong exclusively to Muslims.
These attitudes of Israel, which harm not only regional but also global stability and security, are increasingly eroding the belief in international law among the people of the region.
We will continue to strive for the establishment of peace and stability in the region and to remind that the international community has a shared responsibility to take concrete and effective measures against Israel's expansionist and genocidal attitude.
EUROFIGHTER TRAININGS
Within the scope of the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft signed with the United Kingdom Government to meet the operational needs of our Air Forces Command, the training of our pilots began in August.
Our pilots, who have completed their terminology training, are planned to begin their flight training on September 7, 2026.
After the 8-month flight training, our pilots will also receive 3 months of Instructor Pilot Training.
Our pilots will continue to be sent to these trainings in rotations.
SHIP KIDNAPPED IN SOMALIA
Regarding the incident of maritime piracy that occurred in the territorial waters of the Federal Republic of Somalia, necessary support was provided to the Somali authorities in coordination with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and within the framework of the agreements signed between the two countries.
As a result of the operation carried out by the Somali authorities, the pirates were made to abandon the ship, and the ship in question was rescued.
MECCA DEFENSE ALLIANCE
Within the scope of the Mecca Defense Alliance, the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs and the Chiefs of General Staff of Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia came together in Istanbul on August 31, 2026.
During the meeting, the steps to be taken to establish a more institutional structure for cooperation within the scope of the alliance were discussed; it was decided to establish a Secretariat in Saudi Arabia under the chairmanship of a Secretary General to run the alliance's Secretariat.
The Secretary General position, which will be held on a rotational basis among the three countries, will be assumed first by a Secretary General from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for a period of three years.
The goals include increasing interoperability through joint planning, training, and exercise activities in the military field, and strengthening joint production, technology development, and experience sharing in the defense industry field.
It is assessed that these mechanisms will contribute not only to strengthening the alliance's defense capacity and deterrence but also to regional peace and stability.
SDF DISSOLUTION PROCESS
The dissolution process being carried out within the scope of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and strengthening the 'one state, one army' understanding is being meticulously followed by us.
In this context, the claims that foreign elements affiliated with the SDF will leave Syria and that some will come to Türkiye do not reflect the truth.
It is important not to give credence to news and comments other than our official statements on the matter.