Türkiye contributes to regional and global stability through bilateral relations, NATO: Defense Ministry spokesperson

Yusuf Soykan Bal and Fatma Zehra Solmaz

• SDF’s weapons handover is ‘natural requirement’ of integration process, Akturk says

Türkiye continues to contribute to regional and global peace and stability through bilateral relations and international missions, particularly NATO, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said Thursday.

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing at the Multinational Joint Warfare Center Command, Akturk said the Turkish Armed Forces continues its activities within the framework of bilateral relations and international missions.

In this context, the basic commando training conducted by the 40th Commando Training Brigade Command for 362 Libyan military personnel from the country’s eastern and western regions was successfully completed, he said.

“Türkiye, which attaches great importance to Libya’s unity and integrity and lasting stability, will continue to develop its relations with eastern and western Libya and maintain military training and cooperation activities in line with the goal of ‘One Libya, One Army,’” Akturk said.

Türkiye highlights mounting casualties and hunger in Gaza

Akturk said Israel continues its systematic attacks against Lebanon and Gaza, adding that people in the region continue to be forced to flee their homes.

More than 4,300 people have been killed and over 12,300 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2, he said.

“In Palestine, more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, while the total number of people who have lost their lives since October 2023 has reached approximately 75,000,” Akturk said.

He added that the World Food Program has reported that two-thirds of Gaza’s population faces critical or emergency levels of hunger.

“We once again remind the international community that it has a shared responsibility to take concrete and effective measures against Israel’s expansionist and genocidal stance,” he said.

Training and exercises

Akturk said the Turkish Armed Forces continues its training and exercises without interruption to maintain a high level of readiness.

He said the Martyr Personnel Lt. Col. Rasim Sayin Yildirim Mobilization Exercise, which began on Aug. 31 in Kirklareli, and the Air Wolf Hunting search-and-rescue exercise, which began on Sept. 7 in Hungary, will conclude Friday.

Türkiye is participating in the REPMUS unmanned maritime systems trials in Portugal, Phoenix Express maritime security exercise in Tunisia, Triton mine warfare exercise in Bulgaria and NATO Bold Machina maritime special operations exercise in Portugal between Aug. 31 and Sept. 25, he said.

Türkiye is also scheduled to participate in the Endless Brotherhood-V Special Forces exercise in Uzbekistan, Burebista live-fire air exercise in Romania and Eastern Shield air/drone defense exercise in Romania between Sept. 11 and Oct. 2, Akturk added.

He said two Turkish F-16 fighter jets and a tanker aircraft will participate in a training flight in NATO airspace over Romania on Sept. 14 as part of Flexible Deterrence Options conducted under the NATO Allied Air Command’s Enhanced Vigilance Activities.

Ship accidents

Regarding the ships that sank off the coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and in the Marmara Sea, Akturk said search-and-rescue operations were continuing around the clock.

He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accidents.

He also commemorated the 104th anniversary of the liberation of Izmir from enemy occupation and extended his congratulations in advance on the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Sakarya.

“On Sept. 15, we also extend our congratulations in advance on the 108th anniversary of Baku’s liberation from enemy occupation,” Akturk said.

He also commemorated Nuri Killigil Pasha and the heroic martyrs and veterans of the Caucasus Islamic Army under his command, as well as the martyrs of the Ottoman frigate Ertugrul, which set sail 136 years ago to strengthen Turkish-Japanese friendship and sank on Sept. 16, 1890 after encountering a storm on its return journey.

“We remember them with mercy and gratitude,” he said.

Türkiye condemns proposed funding for monument targeting Turkish military

The ministry rejected a European Parliament recommendation to fund an alleged monument project in the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) targeting the Turkish Armed Forces.

It called the recommendation “another example of a biased approach aimed at distorting historical facts” and strongly rejected baseless claims targeting the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation which saved Turkish Cypriots from massacres.

“The Turkish Armed Forces has continued to serve as a guarantor of peace and stability on the island for more than 50 years,” the ministry said, vowing to respond to any hostile move targeting Turkish Cypriots.

-SDF disbandment

The ministry said it is closely monitoring the SDF’s disbandment and integration process aimed at strengthening Syria’s territorial integrity and the principle of “one state, one army.”

It said handing weapons and military vehicles to the Syrian army is a natural requirement of the integration process and would contribute to its healthy progress.