19.02.2026 12:20
In a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated, "During the week, 10 more PKK terrorists surrendered; thus, the number of terrorists who have surrendered since January 1 has reached 35."
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) held its weekly press briefing at the Communication Electronic Information Systems (MEBS) School and Training Center Command.
In the statement regarding developments in the field following the terrorist organization PKK's dissolution decision, it was stated, "As part of the ongoing operations and search-and-rescue activities of our Turkish Armed Forces; 10 PKK terrorists surrendered during the week, bringing the total number of terrorists who have surrendered since January 1 to 35."
The statements continued as follows:
THE LENGTH OF TUNNELS DESTROYED IN SYRIA OPERATION AREAS IS 759 KILOMETERS
With the destruction of 2 kilometers of tunnels in the last week, 94% (457 km) of the tunnel lines identified in Manbij have been successfully destroyed. Thus, the total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syria Operation Areas has reached 759 kilometers (Tel Rifat: 302 / Manbij 457).
BORDER SECURITY
Within the framework of border security activities, 176 suspects were apprehended throughout the week, including 12 members of the terrorist organization. Since January 1, the number of individuals caught attempting to cross the borders illegally has reached 966. Together with the 1,735 suspects prevented, the total number of individuals stopped this year has reached 9,714.
Additionally, during the search-and-rescue operations conducted along the Hakkari border line this week, 21 kilograms (21,566 grams) of narcotic substances were seized. It was reported that the Air Forces provided support with a helicopter for the rescue operations of the irregular migrant boat that reportedly sank between Foça and Karaburun on February 12.
The Turkish Armed Forces continue to provide support to brotherly, friendly, and allied countries, primarily Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Libya, Somalia, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, making significant contributions to peace and stability across a wide geography as part of bilateral relations and international missions. It was emphasized that Turkey will continue to contribute to the defense and security of the Euro-Atlantic region as a strong, reliable, and effective member of NATO, as it has done so far.
NATO EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FEBRUARY 25
NATO's largest and most participatory live exercise, Steadfast Dart 2026, will be held in Germany from February 8 to 25, 2026. The exercise serves as a critical platform for testing NATO's force deployment and joint operational capabilities on a European scale, while Turkey's ability to use its land, air, and naval assets in an integrated manner strongly reflects the high readiness level and operational effectiveness of the Turkish Armed Forces.
In this context, on February 14, the Bayraktar TB-3 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, operating on TCG Anadolu, conducted its first ship-based takeoff as part of a NATO exercise, successfully hitting a maritime target with two Mini Smart Munitions (MAM-L).
REACTION TO ISRAEL'S WEST BANK DECISION
The recent decision of the Israeli government to impose its sovereignty in the occupied West Bank and expand settlement activities was emphasized as a clear violation of international law in every respect and deemed null and void. It was stated that the international community must demonstrate a firm stance against Israel's attempts to create a de facto situation on Palestinian territories. Furthermore, it was highlighted that Israel's ceasefire violations and disruption of humanitarian aid have harmed the peace process and deepened instability in the region.
DEFENSE INDUSTRY
Finally, in the briefing, it was stated, "The capabilities and capacities of the Turkish Armed Forces are further enhanced with strategic and technological products developed locally and nationally in every field of the defense industry. During the week, the delivery of various quantities and calibers of weapons and ammunition by the Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE) was completed."