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Türkiye calls on international community to stop Israeli expansionism

Children with their families climb atop old tanks and military vehicles at the Israeli Armoured Corps memorial in Latrun, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Children with their families climb atop old tanks and military vehicles at the Israeli Armoured Corps memorial in Latrun, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
April 22, 2026 01:24 PM GMT+03:00

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoND) called on the international community to "say stop to Israeli expansionism and attacks" in its weekly press briefing on Wednesday.

The MoND Spokeperson Zeki Akturk stated Israel's failure to meet its Gaza Peace Plan humanitarian obligations is "deepening the humanitarian crisis every day."

'International community must say stop to Israeli expansionism'

The Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk addressed Israel's conduct directly.

"Israeli expansionism, which began with the genocide in Gaza and then spread to Lebanon and Syria, continues. Israel's attacks not only threaten regional security but also undermine peace efforts," Akturk said.

"Furthermore, Israel's failure to fulfill its obligations under the Gaza Peace Plan regarding the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid is deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region every day," he noted.

"The international community must say stop to Israeli expansionism and attacks," he added.

He also expressed condolences over the death of the French UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeper in Lebanon, calling on all parties to respect the inviolability of UN forces.

A child climbs atop old tanks and military vehicles at the Israeli Armoured Corps memorial in Latrun, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
A child climbs atop old tanks and military vehicles at the Israeli Armoured Corps memorial in Latrun, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Muratreis submarine makes first voyage

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk announced that TCG Muratreis, the third submarine of the New Type Submarine Project, had been commissioned with a flag-raising ceremony on April 17 and made its first voyage on April 20.

Three domestic coastal tugboats have also been delivered: Gokirmak on Feb. 23, Firat on March 24, and Dicle on April 15. The fourth, Seyhan, is scheduled for imminent launch.

The Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) company completed delivery during the week of penetrating bombs (NEB) and various weapons and ammunition.

CH-47 helicopter incident in Ankara: All 5 crew safe

Following questions from the press, the ministry confirmed that a CH-47 heavy transport helicopter belonging to the Army Aviation Command had made a hard landing during a training flight in Ankara.

"There is no adverse health condition for the 5 personnel on duty in the helicopter. Search teams were immediately dispatched to the area following the incident, and necessary examination work has begun. Administrative and technical processes are being carried out meticulously," the statement said.

The photo shows the crash site of a CH-47 heavy transport helicopter belonging to the Army Aviation Command, which had made a hard landing during a training flight in Ankara. (IHA Photo)
The photo shows the crash site of a CH-47 heavy transport helicopter belonging to the Army Aviation Command, which had made a hard landing during a training flight in Ankara. (IHA Photo)

Rutte meets Guler

Rutte met Defense Minister Guler on April 21 in Ankara to discuss preparations for the NATO Ankara Leaders Summit.

The ministry said Rutte expressed satisfaction with Türkiye's defense spending approaching NATO's Hague targets for 2027, highlighted Türkiye's air defense systems' successful integration into NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture; and confirmed the Defense Industry Forum to be held during the Ankara Summit would strengthen allied defense industrial cooperation.

Guler also met the Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Nigerian Defense Minister and KRG President at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and received a U.S.-Türkiye Business Council delegation on April 20.

He met the Congolese Defense Minister on April 21 and will receive the Zambian Defense Minister on Wednesday.

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler meets NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Türkiye, April 21, 2026. (Photo via Turkish Defense Ministry/Handout)
Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler meets NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Türkiye, April 21, 2026. (Photo via Turkish Defense Ministry/Handout)

Aksungur and Akinci drones flew intercontinental to Flintlock Exercise

Türkiye participated in the Flintlock-2026 Multinational Special Forces Exercise in Libya, with the Chief of staff second deputy attending the opening ceremony as a guest of honor on April 14. One Aksungur and one Akinci drone flew intercontinental from Dalaman to Libya.

TCG Gelibolu's SH-70 helicopter and SAT special operations team conducted helicopter rope descent training at the Sirte Naval Training Area on April 18 and joint Ship Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training with Libyan personnel on April 19.

The ministry reaffirmed Türkiye's "One Army, One Libya" policy and said 23,000-plus Libyan military personnel had been trained in Türkiye and Libya to date.

April 22, 2026 01:36 PM GMT+03:00
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