Statement from Ministry of National Defense sources on Syria: Official support requested from Türkiye

Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Counselor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke at the weekly press briefing held at the Istanbul Fair Center on the occasion of the 17th International Defense Industry Fair.

Ministry of National Defense sources emphasized that Turkey is working in close cooperation with Syria 's new government, stating that the Damascus administration has requested official support from Turkey within the scope of the fight against terrorist organizations, especially ISIS.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk's statement is as follows:

FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Within the scope of the fight against risks and threats targeting our country, within the last week of our Turkish Armed Forces, which continues its duties and activities with determination for the peace, security and stability of our country; - 4 more PKK terrorists surrendered, - A large number of weapons, ammunition and various materials seized in caves, shelters and shelters belonging to terrorists, detected in operation areas, especially in Claw-Kilit, have been rendered unusable.

BORDER SECURITY

Within the framework of border security activities that continue uninterruptedly in harsh climate and terrain conditions, during the week; - 207 individuals were apprehended, and the number of those apprehended while trying to cross illegally since January 1st has reached 3,959. - With the 638 individuals prevented during the week, the number of people prevented this year has reached 43,630. Within the scope of the “tunnel destruction” activities continuing in the Syrian Operation Areas, a total of 498 kilometers of tunnels have been destroyed to date, 212 of which are in Tel Rifaat and 286 in the Manbij region. During the reconnaissance and surveillance activities carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to our Naval Forces on July 21st; - It was detected that a Greek Coast Guard boat left the boat carrying irregular migrants east of the Island of Samos, - Our Coast Guard Command was informed and the rescue of the migrants in question was ensured.

RECENT CONFLICTS IN SYRIA

Ministry of National Defense sources, in response to questions about the clashes in the Syrian city of Suwayda and Israel's attacks on Damascus, said:

Israel's recent intensified attacks, particularly in the southern Sweida region, have increased tensions between the Druze community and the Damascus government. Turkey maintains its resolute stance in protecting Syria's territorial integrity, ensuring stability, and combating terrorist organizations.

As the Ministry of National Defense, we are working closely with the new Syrian government. The Syrian government has officially requested support from Turkey to strengthen its defense capacity and combat all terrorist organizations, particularly ISIS. In response to this request, we are continuing our efforts to provide training , consulting, and technical support to enhance Syria's defense capacity.

Türkiye's primary goal is to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity and to lead efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

INTEGRATION OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SDF INTO THE NEW SYRIAN GOVERNMENT

Ministry sources, when asked about the integration of the terrorist organization SDF into the Syrian administration, said the following:

“As the Ministry of National Defense, we have stated many times before that protecting Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights is indispensable for the stability of our country and the region.

In this context, seeing the immediate impact on the ground of the issues agreed upon between the Syrian government and the SDF terrorist organization on March 10 will contribute to this stability. The SDF terrorist organization must concretely demonstrate its compliance with the agreement it reached with the Damascus government. Developments on this matter are being closely monitored with our relevant institutions.