Newsletters
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has issued a strong response to recent comments made by Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of the DEM Party, regarding the role of security guards in villages.
Speaking at a meeting with farmers in the eastern province of Mus, Bakirhan referred to the PKK’s decision to lay down arms and argued that there was no longer a need for security guards in eastern and southeastern Türkiye. He stated: “We won’t leave the security guards unemployed. Take away their weapons, give them sticks, and let them herd animals in the villages. It’s a more honorable job.”
In reaction, the Defense Ministry posted a statement on its social media account, defending the role of the guards and condemning Bakirhan’s remarks.
“By standing alongside the Turkish Armed Forces and our security forces with great courage, and by becoming martyrs or veterans without hesitation, our security guards have proven to be true heroes in the fight against terrorism,” the ministry said.
It added: “As a strong example of state-society unity, our security guards will not be undermined by such statements. Attempts to target them will be futile in the face of the Turkish nation’s deep insight and strong sense of unity and solidarity.”
The security guard system, composed of locally recruited paramilitary personnel, has been a key part of Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts, especially in rural areas affected by conflict. Bakirhan’s comments have sparked criticism across political and military circles, at a time when national unity remains a core focus of state policy.
1 min read
