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Türkiye firmly rejected Greek politicians' statements about extending territorial waters in the Aegean Sea, with the Ministry of National Defense declaring that unilateral actions violating Turkish rights are contrary to international law and unacceptable.
Ministry sources responded forcefully to Greek politicians' statements about extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, emphasizing that Türkiye's position remains unchanged.
"As Türkiye, we advocate that a fair, equitable maritime jurisdiction sharing in the Aegean, in accordance with international law principles, can only be possible through mutual dialogue and goodwill," the ministry said.
"Greece's unilateral actions, claims and statements that disregard existing disputes and violate the rights of the Turkish side are contrary to international law and unacceptable," the ministry added.
The ministry stressed that such Greek statements produce no legal consequences for Türkiye.
"The Turkish Armed Forces continue their mission to protect all rights and interests in Türkiye's maritime jurisdiction areas with determination and resolve under the Blue Homeland doctrine," the ministry stated.
Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Adviser and Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk announced Turkish land and naval forces will participate in Steadfast Dart 2026, NATO Joint Force Command's exercise scheduled for Feb. 8-20 in Germany.
"The Anadolu Turkish Naval Task Force, which began transit from Foça on Jan. 20 to participate in the exercise and subsequently join various activities in 13 countries, made a port visit to Rota, Spain, on Jan. 30-31 and is currently continuing its voyage to Germany across the Atlantic Ocean," Akturk said.
Ground elements began sea transit from Tekirdag Port on Jan. 26, with arrival in Emden, Germany, expected on Feb. 7-8. A 573-member ground force will deploy via A-400M military transport aircraft following a ceremony at Corlu Airport on Feb. 7.
"With this exercise, our Turkish Armed Forces will deploy a force of approximately 2,000 personnel 6,450 kilometers—3,480 nautical miles—from our borders, and subsequently test their combat capabilities through linked exercises," Akturk said.
"The ability to deploy and subsequently fight with such a large force as far as northern Europe once again demonstrates the strength of our Turkish Armed Forces within NATO," he added.
Ministry sources confirmed that the Turkish Air Unit Command in Somalia has been strengthened with new deployments.
"The Somalia-Turkish Task Force and Air Unit Command stationed in Somalia continue to contribute to the development of Somalia's counterterrorism capacity through military assistance, training and advisory activities," the ministry said.
"Our Air Unit Command in Somalia has been reinforced with new assignments. Our newly assigned elements will also contribute to Somalia's counterterrorism efforts," the ministry noted.
Naval elements TCG Sancaktar, TCG Gokova and TCG Bafra will conduct a port visit to Djibouti on Feb. 6-7 before arriving in Somalia on Feb. 11 to provide logistical support to the Somali Turkish Task Force Command and support the Cagri Bey Drilling Ship's research activities in Somali waters.
Akturk condemned Israel's Jan. 31 attacks in Gaza that caused numerous civilian casualties during a period when a permanent ceasefire and Gaza's restabilization were expected.
"Our expectation is that Israel complies with the Peace Plan accepted by the United Nations Security Council resolution, adheres to the ceasefire and allows humanitarian aid to reach Gaza," he stated.
The spokesperson lastly noted that Israeli attacks on Lebanon also obstruct stability and lasting peace.
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