08.05.2025 14:02
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) responded to claims that some retired soldiers are banned from entering the officers' club. The MSB stated, "The Turkish Armed Forces will not tolerate any form of indiscipline or approaches that prioritize personal interests over institutional values."
The sources from the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) answered journalists' questions following the weekly press briefing. Responding to reports of tensions between Israel and Syria, the sources advised that only statements made by official sources should be trusted regarding this matter.
The sources emphasized that they do not approve of Israel's air operations over Syria, stating, "These air operations serve no purpose other than to disrupt stability in Syria. Like many countries, the United Nations has also reacted to Israel's attacks on Syria, calling for them to cease. In line with the request of the new Syrian government, coordination activities with all elements in the region are ongoing to ensure the safety of the operations we will carry out in the field."
ENTRY BAN TO MILITARY HOUSES FOR SOME RETIRED SOLDIERS
"Recently, there have been statements, comments, and evaluations targeting our Ministry and the Turkish Armed Forces regarding the ban on entry for some retired soldiers to military houses and military social facilities. First of all, we want to emphasize that our personnel, who have completed their terms of service with great dedication and honor and have retired, are very valuable to us, and we thank them once again for their services. However, as clearly stated in the legislation, those who make statements, write letters, or otherwise express themselves regarding their duties and positions during their active service without being assigned a specific task, and who have been identified through various command and official sources as having made openly derogatory remarks and behaviors aimed at undermining hierarchical relationships and destroying trust towards superiors or commanders, may be temporarily or permanently banned from entering military houses, military lounges, and other military social facilities. Recently, legal action has been taken against retired personnel who have been banned from entering military houses, not for their criticisms of our Ministry and the Turkish Armed Forces, but because it has been determined that they have engaged in the aforementioned behaviors in a deliberate and systematic manner. The Turkish Armed Forces will not tolerate any approach that prioritizes personal interests over institutional values and discipline."
NEWS REGARDING THE MARTYR STATEMENT
Ministry sources stated the following regarding news that the term "separatist terrorist organization" was removed from the MSB's latest martyr statement:
"Deliberate and systematic perception operations against our Ministry and the Turkish Armed Forces continue. The claims that the term 'separatist terrorist organization' has been removed from our statements regarding our martyrs and that the phrase 'placed by the separatist terrorist organization' regarding improvised explosive attacks has been removed for the first time do not reflect the truth. When the information provided regarding our martyrs is examined, it will be seen that different expressions have been used depending on the nature of the incident. Recently, an attempt has been made to create the perception that there has been a change in the stance of the MSB and the TSK towards the separatist terrorist organization and all its extensions. The stance and position of the MSB and the TSK towards the separatist terrorist organization and all its extensions is clear. There is no change in this stance. It is evident that trying to disconnect a text that shares a deep pain and sorrow for the purpose of informing the public from false claims; and attempting to create a rift between us and the valuable families of our martyrs is incompatible with any moral and humanitarian values and targets our unity and solidarity. Legal proceedings have been initiated regarding the aforementioned false news that attempts to mislead the public."
DRILLING WORK IN THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense stated that a NAVTEX has been published for drilling work in the so-called 5th parcel by the Greek Cypriot Administration (GKRY) and in response to questions regarding the VALARIS DS-9 drilling ship's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, they said, "There is no newly announced NAVTEX for the 5th parcel located in the so-called exclusive economic zone declared by GKRY. However, part of the so-called 5th parcel is located within the Turkish continental shelf. Any violation against our continental shelf, which we declared to the UN on March 18, 2020, will be immediately prevented in the field. The VALARIS DS-9 drilling ship is currently in the so-called 10th parcel. There is no overlap between the so-called 10th parcel and our Maritime Jurisdiction Area."
In response to questions regarding the selection of a Turkish general for the position of Director of Cooperation and Security at NATO International Military Headquarters, the sources shared the following information:
"For the first time in NATO history, Turkey will be represented at the director level at the NATO International Military Headquarters in Brussels. In this context, Brigadier General Eray Üngüder has been selected for the critically important position of 'Director of Cooperation and Security.' Our general will undertake critical tasks in strengthening cooperation with NATO's Partner Countries and International Organizations, developing military policies for NATO capacity building, and establishing stability beyond NATO's borders. The selection of our personnel for this critical role should be seen as an important indicator of Turkey's active role in NATO and its contribution to the security and stability of the Alliance. Our country will continue to maintain its contributions to peace and security as a strong and reliable Ally of NATO."
In response to questions regarding the tension between Pakistan and India, the sources stated, "We emphasize at every opportunity that we do not want new conflicts in our region and the world, and we condemn attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. We hope that this tension between the two countries will be reduced as soon as possible and that the necessary mechanisms, including counter-terrorism, will be established to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, urging both parties to act with common sense."