18.09.2025 13:24
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense responded to a question regarding the status of Turkish troops stationed in Syria, stating, "The withdrawal of our troops from Syria can only be reconsidered if our border security is fully ensured and the threat of terrorism is completely eliminated." Additionally, a response was given to the claim that Russia requested the return of the S-400 air defense systems.
The Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk held a weekly press conference at the Ministry's Martyr Journalist Hasan Tahsin Press Information Hall. In his statement, Aktürk reminded that the Gaziler Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow, marks the 104th anniversary of the granting of the title "Gazi" and the rank of "Marshal" to the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and commemorated all martyrs and veterans with mercy, gratitude, and respect, wishing health and well-being to the living veterans. He also prayed for the soul of Infantry Specialist Sergeant Hüseyin Günay, who became a martyr after falling ill during his duty in Konya.
"605 KILOMETER TUNNEL RENDERED UNUSABLE"
Aktürk shared the latest weekly update regarding the Turkish Armed Forces' counter-terrorism and border security activities. He announced that another PKK terrorist has surrendered and that a large number of weapons, ammunition, and materials belonging to terrorists have been destroyed in operations conducted across the border. Stating that tunnels measuring 240 kilometers in Tel Rifat and 365 kilometers in Manbij have been destroyed in the 'Syria Operation Areas', Aktürk noted that a total of 605 kilometers of tunnels have been rendered unusable.
"540 PEOPLE CAPTURED IN THE LAST WEEK"
Addressing border security, Aktürk stated that effective measures against illegal crossings are ongoing with technology-supported systems. He reported that 540 people, including 8 members of terrorist organizations, have been captured in the last week, bringing the total number of captures since January 1 to 6,677. Additionally, he announced that with the 864 individuals prevented from crossing this week, the total number of people prevented from crossing the border since the beginning of the year has reached 50,308. Aktürk also revealed that a total of 22 kilograms of drugs were seized during search and screening operations conducted along the Van and Hakkari border lines.
"WE INVITE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE DETERRENT STEPS"
Zeki Aktürk stated that the ground operation initiated by Israel in Gaza on the morning of September 16 has further deepened the severe humanitarian tragedy that has been ongoing in the region for over two years. Aktürk said: "Israel's attacks targeting the civilian population in Gaza and provocative actions against regional countries are clear indications of its intention to plunge the Middle East into total instability once again. The international community can no longer ignore the systematic oppression, state terrorism, and genocide occurring in Gaza. We call on the international community to take effective and deterrent steps without further delay to ensure peace and stability in the region and to implement serious measures against Israel."
THEY ALSO REVEALED THE CONDITION FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM SYRIA
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense answered journalists' questions. In response to questions about whether there has been any change in the status of Turkish troops stationed in the region concerning the latest situation in Syria, ministry sources stated: "The Turkish Armed Forces are present in Syria within the framework of the legitimate right of self-defense arising from international law to ensure the security of our country and borders, to combat terrorism, and to prevent the terrorist corridor. The withdrawal of our troops from Syria can only be reassessed if our border security is fully ensured and the terrorist threat is completely eliminated."
RESPONSE TO S-400 ALLEGATIONS
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense responded to claims in the press that Russia has requested the return of the S-400 air defense systems, stating, "The S-400 Air Defense Systems are in our inventory. There is no change in our stance regarding the S-400 issue."