Tension in the Aegean Sea: Italian Ship Stopped, Statement from Ministry of National Defense Sources
MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated at the press briefing in the ministry that the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) struggle against terrorism continues firmly.
The weekly update from the Ministry of National Defense is as follows:
Within the strategy of eliminating terrorism at its source, the Turkish Armed Forces have consistently and comprehensively conducted operations. In the past week alone, 94 terrorists, one of whom was in the red category on the list of terrorists sought for, were neutralized. Thus, the total number of terrorists neutralized in Iraq (726) and northern Syria (795) since January 1, 2024, has reached 1,521. Furthermore, due to our effective and determined operations, 3 PKK terrorists who fled from the shelter areas in northern Iraq surrendered at the Habur Border Post.
Continuing to lock the terrorists in their dens, our Turkish Armed Forces also seized a large number of ammunition, mines, and vital supplies belonging to terrorists in the Pençe-Kilit Operation area in northern Iraq. On this occasion, we once again extend our condolences to the brave comrade, Infantry Colonel Abdullah Cem Demirkan, who was martyred on July 19 at the Gülhane Training and Research Hospital while receiving treatment for injuries caused by handmade explosives.
In terms of border security, our borders, safeguarded uninterruptedly with the most effective measures and multidimensional security systems in the history of the Republic, saw the apprehension of 395 individuals, 8 of whom were members of terrorist organizations, in the past week. The total number of individuals caught trying to illegally cross the border since January 1 is 7,102, and this year alone, 66,059 people have been prevented from entering the country illegally.
Additionally, on July 17, during reconnaissance and surveillance activities conducted by the Turkish Naval Forces Command UAV, it was determined that units of the Hellenic Coast Guard pushed a boat carrying irregular migrants from the north of the island of Lesbos into our territorial waters, prompting our Coast Guard Command to be notified to rescue the migrants.
As for regional and global contributions to peace and stability, our Turkish Armed Forces continue to engage successfully in international operations and missions and provide training and consultancy activities in friendly and allied countries. Our Minister received the Chief of the General Staff of North Macedonia and the Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Ankara on July 18 and went with the Turkish Armed Forces Command Staff to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on July 19-20 to participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations and official visits for the Operation of Peace and Freedom. The Minister participated in important meetings, discussions, and visits and attended the 50th Anniversary ceremony of Peace and Freedom on July 20 along with our President, who visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and participated in the ceremony, followed by a parade of 50 ships belonging to the Naval Forces, as well as helicopters and combat aircraft, and an impressive show of the Turkish Stars.
On July 22, the French Ambassador to Ankara was received, and on July 24, the Military Attaché of Pakistan was received, with a meeting with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Ankara scheduled for tomorrow. Our activities of the Kosovo Turkish Representation Office, which has been supporting the Kosovo Security Forces in the peacekeeping and protection mission since 1999 under the KFOR operation command, were celebrated on its 25th anniversary, and we wish continued success in their endeavors.
In response to the remarks made against Turkey, the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the allegations made by Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, the wife of Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid and the sister-in-law of former President Jalal Talabani, claiming that the operations of the Turkish Armed Forces harm civilians are baseless. Turkey values its relations with Iraq and aims to enhance cooperation in all fields, including counterterrorism. The Turkish military extends its support for the peace and stability of the region.
In conclusion, the Turkish Armed Forces, one of the strongest armies in the world, will continue to eliminate all threats and dangers against our national security and work to the best of its ability for the defense and security of our country.
