04.12.2025 12:10
The Ministry of National Defense responded to Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias's statement, "We will close the Aegean with missiles." The Ministry stated, "We have the power to eliminate any threat that may be directed towards our country."
MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke at the weekly press briefing.
Here are Zeki Aktürk's statements;
COUNTER-TERRORISM
Esteemed Members of the Press, within the scope of our Turkish Armed Forces' fight against risks and threats directed at our country for the peace of our nation and the survival of our state, in the last week; 2 PKK terrorists have surrendered, operations to detect and destroy mines, improvised explosives, caves, shelters, and hideouts have continued in the operation areas, a large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials seized from terrorists have been rendered unusable, and with the destruction of a 3-kilometer tunnel in Menbic, the total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas has reached 728 kilometers (Tel Rıfat: 302 / Menbic: 426).
BORDER SECURITY
Within the framework of ongoing border security activities, throughout the week; 257 individuals have been apprehended, including 1 member of a terrorist organization, and the number of those caught attempting to cross illegally since January 1 has reached 9,256. Including 1,090 individuals prevented this week, the total number of people prevented this year has reached 60,548. Additionally, during search and seizure operations conducted along the Hakkâri border line this week, 32 kilograms (32,150 grams) of narcotic substances have been seized.
ISRAEL
Regarding developments in our region, Israel continues its aggression in the West Bank and Jerusalem and its expansionism aimed at destabilizing Syria and Lebanon. We once again express that the international community, especially the United Nations, must take steps with a determined and sanctioning will against Israel's actions that threaten regional peace and stability. The uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, meeting the urgent needs of civilians in the region, and the full implementation of ceasefire conditions are essential for regional peace and stability. We will continue to support all international initiatives and constructive efforts in this regard.
GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER DENDIAS' ESCALATING STATEMENTS
"All developments in our region, including military activities of our neighbor Greece, are being closely monitored by us. As we have always emphasized, it is our country's fundamental priority for our region, including the Aegean Sea, to be a zone of peace and stability. In this direction, we are fulfilling our responsibilities. Our expectation is that Greece will also exhibit the same constructive attitude.
Actions and statements made by some Greek officials that escalate tensions, along with unrealistic and fanciful statements that contradict international agreements and are detached from reality, serve no purpose other than to harm the positive atmosphere created based on the agreement between the leaders of both countries.
The Turkish Armed Forces are not a threat to anyone who does not pose a threat to them. However, they are determined and capable of neutralizing any threats directed at our country.
We once again remind that initiatives targeting Turkey, just as they have been unsuccessful in the past, will not succeed today or in the future."
ATTACKS ON SHIPS IN THE BLACK SEA
"We are implementing measures and initiatives within the framework of our principle of regional ownership against maritime threats arising from the war. However, even though we minimize maritime threats and the security chaos in the Black Sea with precautions, lasting peace is required for a stable and secure maritime environment.
In any case, we continue to take necessary measures for the security of our maritime jurisdiction areas and critical underwater/above-water structures, conduct navigation/surveillance activities with our naval and air assets, and continue our activities within the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group (MCM BLACK SEA)."
ALLEGATIONS OF TURKEY WITHDRAWING FROM PASALIMANI NAVAL BASE
"The allegation in question does not reflect the truth. Currently, our Naval Command in Pasalimanı Vlore/Albania continues its activities under the Albanian Team Leadership to enhance cooperation in logistics, technical, and training areas."