25.09.2025 12:42
The Ministry of National Defense denied allegations that soldiers were investigated for giving water to children at a border post in Hatay. The statement indicated that the incident was not related to providing water, but rather to behaviors that are inconsistent with discipline and fall under the category of military offenses.
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) sources denied the allegations that soldiers on duty at a border post in Hatay were under investigation for giving water to children on a village road.
"UNFOUNDED AND MISLEADING"
In a statement from the MSB, it was said, "Such news, which is served with the aim of misleading the public and does not reflect the truth, is the product of a deliberate effort to create a misleading perception aimed at undermining the reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces."
"THE ISSUE IS NOT GIVING WATER TO CHILDREN"
The ministry stated that the incident in question was not related to giving water to children as portrayed in the public, emphasizing that "The incident is related to behaviors that are incompatible with the understanding of discipline and fall under military offenses."
"THE TSK ACTS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING THAT PRIORITIZES HUMAN VALUES"
The statement highlighted that the personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces operate with an understanding that prioritizes human values, stating, "This understanding has a deep-rooted place in the customs and traditions of the TSK, which has thousands of years of national, spiritual, and professional values."
EMPHASIS ON CREDIBILITY OF OFFICIAL STATEMENTS
The MSB reminded that news based on unfounded and distorted information about the TSK should not be trusted, noting the importance of relying on official statements.
WEEKLY INFORMATION MEETING
MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke at the weekly press briefing held on the occasion of the anniversary of the Preveze Naval Victory and Navy Day, aboard our first domestic and national frigate, TCG Istanbul.
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:
COUNTER-TERRORISM
Valued members of the press, the Turkish Armed Forces, which continues its struggle against all threats and dangers directed at our survival with determination, has carried out ongoing operations and search-and-destroy activities in the past week; - 1 PKK terrorist has surrendered, - A large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials seized in caves, shelters, and hideouts belonging to terrorists identified in operation areas, especially in Pençe-Kilit, have been rendered unusable. In the past week, with the destruction of 17 kilometers of tunnels, including 10 in Tel Rifat and 7 in Manbij, the total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas has reached 622 kilometers (Tel Rifat: 250 / Manbij: 372).
BORDER SECURITY
Within the framework of uninterrupted border security activities, throughout the week; - 312 individuals, including 4 members of terrorist organizations attempting to cross our borders illegally, have been captured, while 833 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. - Thus, since January 1, the number of those caught attempting to cross our borders illegally has reached 6,989, and the number of individuals prevented from crossing the border has reached 51,141. Additionally, approximately 1.5 kilograms (1,405 grams) of narcotic substances were seized during search-and-destroy operations conducted along the Van border line this week.
ISRAEL'S ATTACKS
On the other hand, Israel's attacks on Gaza are deepening the humanitarian tragedy in the region day by day. We welcome the decision of a group of countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, to recognize Palestine, and we hope that the decisions taken will contribute to the two-state solution goal and accelerate the process. We call on the international community to take active measures against Israel, which is trying to make the establishment of the State of Palestine impossible and is adding new reckless attacks against regional countries every day, without being satisfied with these positive developments.
THE LATEST SITUATION IN SYRIA
In response to questions about the latest situation in Syria, sources from the Ministry of National Defense stated: "Contacts between the Syrian Government and the SDG terrorist organization are being monitored with attention and sensitivity. Recently, attacks on Syrian government forces in the rural areas of Manbij and Aleppo have clearly demonstrated that the SDG terrorist organization is not acting in accordance with the agreement signed with the Syrian Government on March 10, 2025, and poses a threat to regional peace and stability. Turkey is determined to continue close cooperation with the Syrian government, especially in the fight against terrorist organizations, for the stability and security of Syria and the peace of our region, and to support the principle of 'One State, One Army.'
VISITS OF SYRIAN COMMANDERS
In response to questions regarding the reason for the visit of the Commander of the Syrian Naval Forces to Ankara, following the visit of the Commander of the Syrian Air Forces, ministry sources stated: "We had expressed that we would provide all kinds of support for the development of the defense and security capacity of the new government established in Syria, regardless of land, sea, or air. With the Memorandum of Understanding we signed in August, mutual visits gained momentum. Training and visits will continue mutually. The visits of the commanders are also carried out within this framework."
EXERCISE CONDUCTED WITH EGYPT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
In response to questions regarding the "Friendship Sea Exercise" conducted with Egypt, ministry sources stated, "The Republic of Turkey is the only country trying to produce stability and peace in its region and continues all its efforts in this regard. The activities we carry out with Egypt and Libya do not target third countries. We are trying to develop relations with a win-win formula. We want the Mediterranean to be a sea of peace," he said.