21.08.2025 23:20
The Ministry of National Defense responded to claims regarding the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine by stating, "Turkey is a country that strives to contribute to all initiatives in this direction; however, it is essential to first establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and then to define the framework of a mission with a clear mandate, as well as to determine the extent of contribution from each country."
The Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and the Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk held a weekly press conference. Aktürk, in response to questions regarding the claims of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, stated, "Turkey is a country that produces peace and stability in its region and strives to contribute to all initiatives in this direction. However, it is necessary to first establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, then define the framework of a mission with a clear mandate, and clarify the extent of contribution from each country."
Highlights from Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows: "In the last week, operations in the field, especially in the Pençe-Kilit operation areas, have continued with land search and scanning; cave, shelter, and bunker detection, as well as the detection and destruction of mines and improvised explosive devices. Aktürk noted that "A large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials seized from terrorists have been rendered unusable. The total length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian operation areas, including Tel Rıfat (212 kilometers) and Manbij (336 kilometers), has reached 548 kilometers. On the occasion of the upcoming 9th anniversary of the Euphrates Shield Operation, which was launched in northern Syria on August 24, 2016, to threaten the security of our country and borders and dealt a significant blow to terrorist organizations, especially ISIS, we once again celebrate our heroic Mehmetçik, wish mercy from Allah for our martyrs, and health and well-being for our heroic veterans," he said.
"268 INDIVIDUALS WERE CAPTURED IN THE LAST WEEK"
Regarding border security, Aktürk shared that "In the last week, 268 individuals have been captured, including 5 members of terrorist organizations. Since January 1, the number of those caught while attempting to cross our borders illegally has reached 5,113. With the 944 individuals prevented in the last week, the total number of individuals prevented this year has reached 46,881." He mentioned that the TCG Kınalıada corvette visited the port of Tripoli, Libya, on August 17-18 to develop relations with both the eastern and western sides of Libya, stating, "Our ship is also making a port visit to Benghazi yesterday and today."
"HUMANITARIAN AID NEEDS TO REACH GAZA"
Expressing that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is deepening day by day, Aktürk stated, "Due to hunger, deprivation, and lack of access to basic needs, the Palestinian people are struggling to survive under extremely harsh conditions. In this period, where there is a greater need for lasting peace and stability in our region than ever before, a ceasefire in Gaza must be declared as soon as possible, and humanitarian aid must be delivered to the region. We reiterate that we will continue to support the just struggle of the Palestinian people and that lasting stability and peace in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution," he said.
Aktürk noted that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler participated in the handover ceremonies at the General Staff and the Land Forces Command on August 18, stating, "Our Minister held a meeting with the Japanese Minister of Defense, who visited our country as an official guest on August 19, where bilateral and regional defense and security issues and cooperation in the defense industry were discussed. He then received the Chief of General Staff of the United Arab Emirates, who came to Ankara at the invitation of our Chief of General Staff. On August 20, our Minister visited Şırnak with Deputy Minister Şuay Alpay, where he conducted inspections and audits at the 23rd Infantry Division Command and held various visits and meetings, including with the Governorship. Today, he will meet with the Minister of Defense of Latvia at our Ministry and will later participate in the ceremony for the presentation of the Independence Medal in Trabzon at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey," he provided information.
Providing information about new weapons and systems entering the inventory, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "Various amounts of 5.56 mm infantry rifles (SAR-56) have been inspected and accepted by our Land Forces Command and added to the inventory. Various amounts and different calibers and types of ammunition have successfully completed testing and delivery processes by the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation affiliated with our Ministry."
"9 SHIPS WILL CROSS THE BOSPHORUS IN ISTANBUL"
Aktürk invited the public, especially the youth, to the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland event, which will be held on August 30-31 at the Istanbul Shipyard Command, where the Ministry of National Defense will participate with its affiliated units and organizations. Aktürk stated, "As part of TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, 9 ships, including Savarona and TCG Anadolu, will perform a Bosphorus crossing in Istanbul on August 24. Additionally, on August 23, an event called the TCG Anadolu Victory Journey will be held, where 350 young people determined by our Ministry of Youth and Sports will participate, inspiring them in technology and the defense industry, traveling from Çanakkale to Istanbul on our country's national pride and largest ship, TCG Anadolu," he expressed.
AUGUST 30 CELEBRATIONS
Aktürk announced that as part of the events commemorating the 954th anniversary of the Malazgirt Victory, demonstration flights will be conducted by the Turkish Stars in Ahlat, Bitlis on August 22, and in Malazgirt, Muş on August 23. He stated, "As part of the 103rd anniversary of Victory Day on August 30 and Victory Week events, demonstration flights will be conducted by Solotürk in Afyon on August 26, by the Turkish Stars in Konya and Solotürk in Manisa on August 27, by Solotürk in Ankara and the Turkish Stars in Kütahya on August 30. Additionally, combat aircraft will perform flyovers in Eskişehir, Manisa, Konya, and Kocaeli on August 30, and our Naval Forces will conduct port visits with 24 ships to 24 ports. Ceremonies and band concerts will be held in Afyonkarahisar and Ankara between August 25-30, and in Pristina, Kosovo between August 27-31," he provided information.
"DELEGATIONS FROM OUR MINISTRY ARE PLANNED TO VISIT SYRIA"
In response to questions regarding the current status of the training, consultancy, and technical support efforts requested by the Syrian administration to enhance its defense and security capacity, ministry sources made the following assessment: "A Joint Training and Consultancy Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025. This agreement aims to enhance Syria's defense capacity and establish concrete cooperation in the military field. Within the framework of the memorandum, the restructuring process of the Syrian Armed Forces has gained momentum; training, consultancy, technical support, and mutual visits have been initiated. These activities are being carried out in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
In this context, the visit of the Head of the Education Department of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the accompanying delegation to the National Defense University and the training activities initiated at the request of the Syrian Ministry of Defense are ongoing. On the other hand, technical visits are planned to be conducted through delegations from our Ministry to observe the needs for enhancing Syria's defense capacity on-site and to create a joint roadmap.
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Turkey views the stability of Syria as critical for regional peace and continues to support the principle of 'one state, one army'. In the future, it is anticipated that mutual delegation visits and training activities will increase, and the scope of cooperation will be expanded.
"A CEASEFIRE MUST BE PRIORITIZED BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE"
In response to questions regarding the claims of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, Ministry of National Defense sources stated, "Turkey is a country that produces peace and stability in its region and strives to contribute to all initiatives in this direction. However, it is necessary to first establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, then define the framework of a mission with a clear mandate, and determine the extent of contribution from each country. It would not be healthy or accurate to make assessments based on projections that have not yet been grounded in concrete terms," they said.
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