Ministry of National Defense: “In the last week, 38 terrorists have been neutralized.”

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that 38 terrorists were neutralized in the last week.

A weekly information meeting was held by the Ministry of National Defense. Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Press and Public Relations Consultant of the Ministry, provided updates on recent developments.

“In the last week, 38 terrorists have been neutralized”

Highlighting the Turkish Armed Forces’ counter-terrorism operations conducted ‘at the source, continuously and comprehensively’ in northern Iraq and Syria, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, “In the last week, 38 terrorists have been neutralized. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized from January 1 to date is 2,457 (1,275 in Iraq / 1,182 in Syria).”

Additionally, Rear Admiral Aktürk reported that a significant amount of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), supplies, and organizational documents were seized in caves and shelters belonging to terrorists identified by the Turkish Armed Forces in the Pençe-Kilit operation area in northern Iraq.

Aktürk also announced that 2 PKK terrorists who fled from the terrorist organization’s shelters surrendered to the border posts in Cizre and Iğdır in the last week.

Rear Admiral Aktürk continued his speech as follows:

“Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue its fight against terrorism with determination and resolve until there is not a single terrorist left for the survival and security of our country and nation. On this occasion, we once again pray for the mercy of our heroic comrade, Lieutenant Mustafa Kemal Öz, who was injured in an accident during training on November 5 and became a martyr in the hospital he was taken to.”

“188 individuals attempting to illegally cross our borders have been caught”

Relaying recent developments on the border line, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, “In the last week, 188 individuals attempting to illegally cross our borders have been caught. Among those captured, 4 are members of a terrorist organization. 1,288 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. Thus, the number of those caught while attempting to illegally cross our borders since January 1 has risen to 12,461. The number of individuals prevented from crossing the border is 86,312.” He reported that during reconnaissance and surveillance activities conducted by naval drones on October 29 and November 1, it was noted that Greek Coast Guard boats left boats carrying irregular migrants east of Samos Island, and he stated, “Our Coast Guard Command has been informed, and the rescue of these migrants has been ensured.”

Emphasizing that Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza, Rear Admiral Aktürk continued:

“Children and civilians are being killed by Israel, violating international and humanitarian law, and our region is being dragged into disaster. It is necessary to adopt a rational and prudent approach to stop Israel’s increasing attacks and mass killings in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, to take ceasefire negotiations seriously, and to conclude them as soon as possible in favor of the regional population.”

Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that the 2024 Turkey National Geodesy Commission Scientific and General Assembly Meeting, which included the General Directorate of Mapping, the founding and executive institution of the Turkey National Geodesy Commission, was held between November 6-9 at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, with the participation of senior executives from public institutions and organizations and university representatives.

Stating that personnel and military student recruitment activities continue as planned, Rear Admiral Aktürk announced, “Applications for the 2024 Year Medical, Dental Class Contracted/Active Duty Officer, Pharmacist Class, and Special Qualified Physical Education Teacher Class Active Duty Officer Candidates have been extended until November 14, while applications for the Air Force Command’s ‘2024 Year Pilot Class Active Duty Officer Candidates’ have been extended until November 15.”

Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that concerts will be held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as part of the ’41st Anniversary Activities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ by the Mehteran Unit Command between November 13-16.

The situation in Iraq and Syria after the U.S. elections

Sources from the Ministry of National Defense responded to questions about whether U.S. troops would withdraw from Iraq and Syria following the U.S. elections:

“We are closely monitoring all developments related to defense and security in our region and taking measures accordingly. The U.S. had previously decided to withdraw from Syria, but this did not happen in practice. One should look at actions, not words. Our expectation from friendly and allied countries is to stop aid and support to the PKK/YPG/SDG terrorist organizations and to provide sincere support to our fight against terrorism.”

Confidence-Building Measures meeting with Greece

Ministry sources expressed the following regarding the Confidence-Building Measures Meeting that took place with the Greek delegation’s visit to Istanbul:

“In the Confidence-Building Measures Meeting between the Turkish and Greek delegations, both sides reached an agreement on the implementation of activities determined for the year 2024 and the realization and application of the agreed activities for 2025. The meeting took place in a positive atmosphere. The next meeting will be hosted by Greece.”

Claims regarding France providing Leclerc Tanks and Mistral Missiles to the GCRY

Ministry sources commented on news that France would provide Leclerc tanks and Mistral missiles to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCRY):

“We are closely monitoring any developments that could disrupt the balance on the island of Cyprus and pose a threat to the security of the TRNC. Such promises of aid to the GCRY have been made before. Turkey will continue to do everything it can for the security, peace, and welfare of the Turkish Cypriots within the framework of guarantee and alliance agreements, and will take all necessary military and political measures to protect the rights and interests of the TRNC at all costs.”

F-16 procurement issue after the elections in the U.S.

Ministry sources responded to questions about whether there would be any issues regarding F-16 procurement after the U.S. elections:

“Contracts have been signed regarding the F-16, and the process is proceeding positively. Turkey-U.S. relations are based on common values and interests despite occasional issues that arise. Our countries are two important members of NATO, the dominant security organization in the world for over 75 years. We believe that Turkey-U.S. relations will continue to progress based on strategic partnership, independent of the U.S. election results.”