02.10.2025 12:50
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense warned citizens regarding an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) detected by fishermen off the coast of Trabzon, which was found to be carrying 300 kilograms of explosives. In the statement, it was emphasized that "all citizens who see a suspicious object should be cautious and immediately report it to our security units without intervening."
Fishermen who set out to catch anchovies in Trabzon returned to the port with an unmanned sea vehicle belonging to Ukraine, which was reported to contain 300 kg of explosive material and was used for kamikaze attacks against the Russian navy. Following inspections conducted by personnel from the Underwater Operations and Rescue Command (SAT) arriving from Istanbul and other expert teams, the unmanned sea vehicle was towed out to sea by a boat belonging to the Coast Guard Command. The unmanned sea vehicle belonging to Ukraine was later detonated and destroyed by expert military personnel. While this danger was narrowly avoided, a warning came from the Ministry of National Defense.
"REPORT TO SECURITY UNITS WITHOUT INTERVENING" Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson of the Ministry, stated at the weekly press briefing held at the ministry, "Within the framework of the principle of regional ownership in the Black Sea; reconnaissance and surveillance activities are continuing 24 hours a day from the air and sea (with Patrol Aircraft, Helicopters, UAVs, Tuzla Class Patrol Ships, and Mine Sweeper Ships) for the detection and destruction of drifting mines/UAVs/IDAs to keep sea routes open and ensure freedom of navigation. Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, many drifting mines, IDAs, and UAVs/model aircraft have been detected and destroyed. Most recently, on September 29, a suspicious object, believed to be an IDA, was detected by a fishing boat off the coast of Trabzon and reported by the Coast Guard Command.
The IDA, which was assessed to contain explosives, was destroyed by our SAS teams sent to the area. As seen in this incident, all our citizens, especially fishermen who see and detect suspicious objects, should be careful and report to our security units immediately without intervening."
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's other statements are as follows:
ISRAEL We emphasize that we support any initiative that will end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza in principle and that we will continue to contribute to the establishment of a fair and lasting peace that both parties will accept.
Additionally, in order to pass on the just cause of the oppressed Palestinian people to future generations, a first lesson titled "800 Years in Palestine" will be given by our National Defense University Rector as part of the opening of the 2025-2026 Academic Year at our Military Schools and Non-Commissioned Officer Vocational Schools, addressing the peaceful and prosperous periods of Palestine under Turkish rule and the process leading to the current massacre.
COUNTER-TERRORISM Our Turkish Armed Forces continue their fight against terrorism, protecting our borders; with determination and resolve, they ensure the defense and security of our country on land, at sea, and in the air.
In operation areas, especially in Pençe-Kilit, numerous weapons, ammunition, and various materials seized from caves, shelters, and hideouts belonging to identified terrorists have been rendered unusable,
and the length of tunnels destroyed in the "Syria Operation Areas" has reached 642 kilometers, with 262 km in Tel Rıfat and 380 km in Manbij.
BORDER SECURITY With the established tiered security system, 188 individuals, including 5 members of terrorist organizations, have been captured at our borders, which are protected to international standards; since January 1, the number of those caught while attempting to cross illegally has reached 7,177.
With the 735 individuals prevented this week, the total number of people prevented this year has reached 51,876. Again, this week, approximately 118 kilograms (117.853 grams) of narcotics were seized during search and screening activities along the Van border line.
THE LATEST SITUATION IN SYRIA In response to questions about the latest situation in Syria, ministry sources stated, "The issues related to the integration of the terrorist organization SDG into the Syrian Interim Government are being closely and sensitively monitored by our Ministry. In this context, it is deemed appropriate to consider the official statements of our Ministry regarding these matters."
MEETING BETWEEN MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE YAŞAR GÜLER AND IRANIAN DEFENSE MINISTER In response to questions regarding the meeting between Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Iranian Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Minister Aziz Nasirzade yesterday, ministry sources shared the following information:
"Turkey and Iran are two neighboring and brotherly countries that share a long common border and a shared history and civilization that dates back centuries.
During the meetings held on the occasion of the visit of Iranian Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Minister Major General Aziz Nasirzade, cooperation that can be made regarding the security of our common border, especially in the fight against terrorism and irregular migration, was also discussed."
NAVTEX PUBLISHED BY GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION AND ACTIVITIES OF NORWEGIAN FLAGGED VESSEL In response to questions regarding the activities of the Norwegian-flagged vessel named Ramform Hyperion, which conducted activities south of the island under the NAVTEX published by the Greek Cypriot Administration, ministry sources stated:
Both peoples have equal rights in the maritime jurisdiction areas of the island.
We are taking the necessary responses against activities that are attempted to be carried out by ignoring the existing licensed areas of the TRNC and the rights across the entire island.
Protests against the activities of the mentioned vessel have been made by the Foreign Ministries of the TRNC and our country, and the vessel has been questioned and warned in the field, recording the existence of TRNC rights in the region. We are closely monitoring the situation in the field."