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Defense Minister Yasar Guler declared that terror has been brought to the point of ending and called for the PKK and all affiliated groups to immediately surrender their weapons unconditionally as Türkiye advances its terror-free vision.
Speaking at a press conference at the Teachers' House Lobby Hall in Sirnak, Guler stated: "If terror has been brought to the point of ending today, if the organization has reached the stage of making a dissolution decision and surrendering its weapons, this has been made possible through the determined struggle carried out by our society with unity."
"Our terror-free Türkiye vision that will further strengthen our thousand-year brotherhood is the most concrete reflection of our goal to make this secure environment permanent," he added.
The defense minister emphasized the critical importance of the process's success for regional development.
"It is certain that the success of the process is quite important. Because the concrete results to be achieved will strengthen the climate of security, peace and tranquility while making Sirnak and the entire region one of the strongest centers of development and prosperity," Guler said.
"For this, PKK and all affiliated groups, in accordance with the call made and the dissolution decision, must immediately end all terrorist activities, and all extensions operating in different geographies and under different names must surrender their weapons unconditionally and as quickly as possible, regardless of where they are," he noted.
Guler described Sirnak's transformation, noting the province extends "from Cudi to Gabar with its vast mountains, fertile plains, historical depth and cultural richness" as "one of the country's most exceptional cities."
Minister acknowledged that "this ancient and beautiful city struggled to reveal its potential and could not use its opportunities for years due to the influence of terrorism," but emphasized that "terrorism hindered not only security but many areas, negatively affecting the lives of Sirnak residents."
The minister detailed current conditions: "Today, the picture is very, very different. Thanks to the determined stance of our heroic soldiers, our self-sacrificing gendarmerie, our devoted police organization and our brave village guards, and most importantly our very valuable Sirnak brothers and of course our entire nation, an environment of peace and trust has been re-established.
"Thank Allah, we have reached an environment where we have moved away from terrorism and threats have been eliminated," he noted.
Defense minister highlighted the province's economic progress: "Now we are in a period when development and prosperity gain momentum. Indeed, our state is working with all its might with all its institutions and organizations to make these unique lands known not for conflicts but for their rich oil production capacity, renewable energy sources and investments, modern transportation projects, and productive agricultural development moves."
He noted that "Sirnak has made tremendous progress in recent years both through the great efforts of our central government and the productive work of our Sirnak Municipality, and the city has become one of the central bases of investments in the region."
The defense minister emphasized Sirnak's transformation into an energy hub: "Today, Gabar and Kato are mentioned not with terrorism but with oil. In the Gabar peaks where we could not easily enter yesterday, we now produce oil exceeding 80,000 barrels per day."
He outlined ambitious goals: "Our aim is to make Sirnak Türkiye's strongest energy base with its oil and other minerals, geothermal, solar and wind energy."
Guler also highlighted Sirnak's commercial importance: "Especially Habur Border Gate, with its modernized surrounding infrastructure and roads, is one of the country's most important trade gates opening to the Middle East. In this aspect, Sirnak hosts the entry and exit of thousands of tons of cargo and hundreds of vehicles every day, as well as numerous commercial activities."
"This unique position has made Sirnak the key to cultural interaction, new investment opportunities and economic development along with border trade," he concluded.
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