13.08.2026 14:00
The Ministry of National Defense announced that work has begun in coordination with relevant institutions regarding the implementation of Article 8 of the Law within the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process. Article 8 of the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, referred to in public as the 'Terror-Free Turkey framework law,' regulates the registration of weapons and ammunition belonging to organization members.
The Chief Advisor to the Ministry of National Defense for Press and Public Affairs and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk held a weekly press briefing at the Ministry's Şehit Gazeteci Hasan Tahsin Press Information Hall. Aktürk commemorated the martyrs and veterans on the anniversary of the Second Cyprus Peace Operation, which took place on August 14, 1974.
"WORK HAS BEGAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 8 OF THE LAW"
Aktürk emphasized that the efforts carried out towards the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye hold historical importance in terms of completely and permanently removing terrorism from Türkiye's agenda, strengthening the peace and security of the nation, reinforcing our social unity, and establishing lasting peace and stability in our region, and made the following assessment:
"At this point, the greatest share belongs to our esteemed martyrs, who displayed the noblest example of sacrifice for the homeland, our heroic veterans, and their precious families. Our Ministry has initiated the necessary work for the implementation of Article 8 of the Law in full harmony and coordination with the relevant institutions of our state. Our Turkish Armed Forces continue their fight against all kinds of threats and dangers directed at our country's survival and security, uninterruptedly and resolutely, within and beyond our borders. In this context, three more PKK terrorists who fled from shelter areas have surrendered this past week."
Aktürk reported that in the last week, 499 individuals, including one terrorist organization member, were caught while trying to cross the borders illegally, and 716 individuals were prevented before crossing. Aktürk said, "Thus, from January 1st to date, the number of those caught while trying to cross our borders illegally has reached 7,942, and the number of individuals prevented has reached 45,518. Additionally, a total of 304 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and scanning activities carried out along the Van, Hakkari, and Hatay border lines this week."
WHAT DOES ARTICLE 8 SAY?
In Article 8 of the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, publicly referred to as the "Terror-Free Türkiye framework law," weapons, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, explosives, and other materials brought or declared by organization members will be recorded. The procedures and principles of the recording process will be determined by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Defense, taking the opinions of security institutions.
"THE MAKKAH AGREEMENT DOES NOT DEFINE ANY COUNTRY AS AN ENEMY"
Aktürk noted that the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on August 7th, aims to bring the existing friendship and brotherly relations between the three countries into a more institutional and sustainable structure in the field of defense and security, and continued his remarks as follows:
"The primary goal of the agreement is to contribute to regional security and stability, develop military cooperation between our countries, and strengthen joint operational capability against potential crises. The said agreement is defensive in nature and does not define any country as a common enemy or adversary. Within the scope of the agreement, it is envisaged to establish strategic political and military mechanisms with the participation of Defense Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff/Commanders of Armed Forces, and to conduct coordination between the three countries at the highest level.
The agreement plans to gradually develop military cooperation. In this context, starting with command post and field exercises, it is aimed to conduct joint exercises in later stages with the participation of land, naval, air, air defense, and unmanned systems. The exercises aim to identify needs and shortcomings before potential crises, transfer the experiences gained to doctrine, training, and planning processes, and continuously improve joint operational capability.
Defense industry cooperation is also one of the important elements of the agreement. In this context, the aim is not only the procurement of products and systems but also joint development and production, technology cooperation, and the provision of sustainable maintenance and logistics support. Unmanned and autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence-supported capabilities are among the priority areas of cooperation.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement is not an alternative or rival structure to NATO, but is considered a complementary mechanism to the international security architecture by contributing to regional security and stability. As the mechanism matures, the participation of other countries can also be considered if the necessary consensus is achieved.
Our ultimate goal is to establish an institutional mechanism that functions effectively during peacetime, is prepared for potential crises, and can provide concrete military support when needed. We assess that this cooperation will make significant contributions not only to the security of our countries but also to regional peace, stability, and deterrence."
"ISRAEL'S REJECTION OF THE GAZA PLAN IS ANOTHER INDICATOR OF ITS PURSUIT OF REGIONAL EXPANSIONIST POLICIES"
Rear Admiral Aktürk congratulated Pakistan's Independence Day. Within the scope of developments in the Middle East, he emphasized that achieving lasting peace and stability in the region is only possible if Israel ends its occupation and attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. Stating that Israel continues its attacks, which are also reflected in United Nations reports and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Aktürk said, "Israel's rejection of the 15-point Gaza Plan is another indicator that it is pursuing a regional expansionist policy. On the other hand, despite the signed framework agreement, Israel similarly continues its attacks and military activities in southern Lebanon. We once again emphasize that it is essential for the international community to adopt a more resolute and stronger stance against Israel's actions by upholding international law and humanitarian values, in order to establish peace and stability in the region."
"THE HEALTH CONDITION OF OUR PILOT IS GOOD"
Recalling that an F-16 aircraft belonging to the Air Force crashed yesterday during a training flight within the scope of the 2026 Air Force Academy Student Selection Flights at the 18th Main Base Command/Yalova, Aktürk said, "The health condition of our pilot, who ejected from the aircraft using the ejection seat, is good. The cause of the crash will be determined as a result of a detailed investigation."
Providing information about the weapons and systems added to the inventory, Aktürk reported that last week, the Land Forces Command completed the inspection and acceptance activities for various quantities of vertical take-off and landing kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle systems and 5.56 mm light machine guns.
Aktürk said, "We invite our youth and all our people to TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, which will be held between August 20-23 at our Gölcük Naval Main Base and Gölcük Shipyard Commands, and will showcase our country's and our Naval Forces' power at sea and their advanced technological competence in this field."
"NO REDUCTION OF PERSONNEL AT BORDER POSTS AND BASE REGIONS IS UNDER CONSIDERATION"
Following the press conference, the Ministry answered journalists' questions. In response to a question about allegations regarding personnel at border posts and base regions, it was stated, "Our Turkish Armed Forces protect our borders with the understanding that 'The border is a matter of honor,' with great dedication and determination, 24/7 in all weather and terrain conditions. In this context, there is no reduction of units or personnel at our border posts and base regions."
"OUR COUNTRY IS PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING IN JEDDAH"
In response to a question about the Red Sea Alliance, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated that, upon Saudi Arabia's invitation to establish a Multinational Naval Defense Coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a technical-level meeting was held in Riyadh on July 28, followed by a meeting at the level of Chiefs of General Staff on July 30. The statement said, "Our country is currently participating in the meeting being held in Jeddah on August 12-13 for coordination purposes. Efforts continue with the Saudi authorities to reduce tension in the Gulf region and ensure the uninterrupted continuation of international trade."
The Ministry made the following statement regarding the training provided to Somali Armed Forces personnel:
"Within the scope of bilateral agreements signed by our Ministry with friendly and allied countries, training and consultancy activities are carried out. In this context, Basic Commando Training is provided to Somali Armed Forces personnel in groups. The graduation ceremony of 1,521 personnel who completed their training in Manisa between May 11 and August 7 was held on August 7 with the participation of our Land Forces Commander and the Commander of the Somali Land Forces. The transfer of graduated personnel to their country began on August 10 and is planned to be completed by September 4. Within the scope of the next training group, it is planned to provide training to 1,523 Somali Armed Forces personnel between August 17 and November 9."