30.04.2026 12:20
Major General Mete Kuş was dismissed following the helicopter and F-16 flights over the stadium during the Konyaspor–Fenerbahçe match. In a statement on the matter, the Ministry of National Defense said, 'Maintaining and sustaining established discipline in the Turkish Armed Forces is non-negotiable. As we have emphasized before, our Turkish Armed Forces approach all events with a discipline-oriented mindset and carry out procedures within the framework of relevant regulations.'
Major General Mete Kuş, Commander of the 3rd Main Jet Base and Garrison in Konya, has been relieved of his duty. The commander had flown F-16 and Sikorsky helicopters over the stadium to support Konyaspor during a Fenerbahçe match. Following this development, which caused a stir, a notable statement came from the Ministry of National Defense.
EMPHASIS ON 'DISCIPLINE' DREW ATTENTION
The statement said: "The preservation and maintenance of established discipline in the Turkish Armed Forces is indispensable. As we have emphasized before, our Turkish Armed Forces approach all events with an understanding of discipline and carry out procedures within the framework of relevant legislation."
RESPONSE TO STATEMENTS TARGETING TURKEY
Meanwhile, the Ministry also emphasized that statements by some European officials targeting Turkey have been closely monitored, and conveyed the following: "Expressions regarding Turkey's regional role and its position within the European security architecture are incompatible with the principles of alliance law and solidarity. Furthermore, statements made by NATO members France and Greece based on certain scenarios increase tension and risk harming regional peace and stability. We remind that any military alliance attempted to be formed in our region has no chance of success against Turkey. As our Minister has previously stated, in the upcoming period, in every situation involving security and stability, those who are with Turkey, not those who oppose Turkey, will prevail."
CLAIM OF FRENCH MILITARY IN THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
The Ministry of National Defense also made the following statement regarding news that French soldiers would be deployed to the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus: "Turkey acts with an understanding that is committed to international law and prioritizes maintaining peace and stability in its region. However, this approach does not mean that we will compromise on the national rights and interests of both our country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Regulations regarding the security and stability of the island of Cyprus are determined by international agreements, and Turkey is one of the guarantor countries. While it remains unclear on what concrete security need the statements by France regarding sending troops to Southern Cyprus are based, such initiatives carry the risk of disrupting the current fragile balance and increasing tension. We once again state that such initiatives may also create security risks for the Greek Cypriot Administration in the future, and steps that could undermine regional stability should be avoided."