21.10.2025 23:21
The motion regarding the extension of the Turkish Armed Forces' deployment in Iraq and Syria for an additional 3 years has been approved by the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
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With the decree accepted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), the duration of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) mission in Iraq and Syria has been extended for another 3 years.
THE DECREE FOR IRAQ AND SYRIA HAS BEEN ACCEPTED
Following the Lebanon decree, the TBMM General Assembly also made its decision regarding the Iraq and Syria decree. The presidential decree, which foresees the extension of the TSK's mission in Iraq and Syria for 3 years, was accepted by a vote in the TBMM General Assembly. Members of the AK Party, MHP, Good Party, and New Path Party voted in favor of the decree, while the CHP and DEM Party voted against it.
"THE PRESENCE OF PKK AND ISIS IN IRAQ IS A DIRECT THREAT TO OUR COUNTRY'S SECURITY"
The decree emphasizes Turkey's great importance attached to the preservation of Iraq's territorial integrity, national unity, and stability, stating, "On the other hand, the continued presence of PKK and ISIS elements in Iraq, as well as attempts towards ethnic-based separatism, pose a direct threat to regional peace, stability, and our country's security. In Syria, terrorist organizations, primarily PKK/PYD-YPG and ISIS, continue to maintain their presence and pose threats to our country, our national security, and civilians."
"YPG IS REFUSING TO INTEGRATE WITH THE SYRIAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT"
The decree states that PKK/PYD-YPG has rejected taking steps towards integration with the Syrian central government due to its separatist and divisive agenda, and is also trying to hinder the progress of establishing lasting stability in the country. It was noted in the decree that "On the other hand, there is a need to support international efforts accompanying national efforts in the processes of developing the country's counter-terrorism capabilities in line with the expectations and requirements of the current administration in Syria, clearing mines that negatively affect civilians' daily lives and their return, and identifying and destroying chemical weapons in the country."
"IT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY PERSPECTIVE"
In the context of all these developments, it was emphasized that taking necessary measures against any risks, threats, and actions that could pose a danger to Turkey's national security, aimed at undermining the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, disrupting efforts to establish stability and security, and creating illegitimate faits accomplis on the ground, is of vital importance for national security, in accordance with the rights arising from international law.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TURKEY'S ACTIVITIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION"
The decree recorded the following: "Additionally, in light of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2249 (2015), and 2254 (2015), confirming the territorial integrity and independence of Iraq and Syria, and the call for all UN member states to take necessary measures against the activities of ISIS and similar terrorist organizations in accordance with Resolution 1373 (2001) and their responsibilities under international law, it is also important to continue Turkey's activities within the framework of the international coalition established to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations.
With these considerations, it is necessary to take all necessary measures within the framework of international law against separatist movements, the threat of terrorism, and all kinds of security risks directed at Turkey's national security, to neutralize any attacks that may be directed at our country from all terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria, to ensure the maintenance of our national security against other potential risks such as mass migration, to effectively protect and safeguard Turkey's interests against unilateral separatist initiatives that have no legitimacy occurring in the regions adjacent to Turkey's southern land borders and any developments related to them, and to assist in the rapid and dynamic implementation of a policy to avoid facing a situation that may be difficult to remedy in the future, with the scope, extent, quantity, and timing to be determined and designated by the President, to send the Turkish Armed Forces to conduct cross-border operations and interventions if deemed necessary, and to allow foreign armed forces to be present in Turkey for the same purposes, with these forces being used according to the principles determined by the President, and to take all necessary measures to eliminate risks and threats, and to make arrangements that will enable this to be done according to the principles to be determined by the President, for the extension of the permission granted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey with the decision dated 2.10.2014 and numbered 1071, and lastly extended by the decision dated 17.10.2023 and numbered 1395, for a period of 3 years starting from October 30, 2025, I submit this information to your attention in accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution."
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