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Türkiye's military leadership dismissed claims of increased illegal border crossings following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran while condemning what it described as Israel's destabilizing actions across the Middle East.
Speaking at a Thursday briefing in Ankara, Turkish National Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said security forces remain vigilant against potential migration movements but have detected no uptick in unauthorized border activity since the Israel-Iran confrontation began.
"The Turkish Armed Forces will continue to take all necessary security measures proactively against possible migration movements," Akturk told reporters, emphasizing that claims of uncontrolled migration represent "disinformation" lacking official confirmation.
The briefing came as Türkiye positions itself as a stabilizing force in a region increasingly volatile following Israeli military operations targeting Iranian facilities. Türkiye has maintained its borders remain secure despite the escalating regional crisis.
Turkish forces have maintained pressure on Kurdish militants, with five PKK terrorists surrendering from hideouts in northern Iraq and Syria within the past week alone, according to Akturk.
Military operations have also yielded significant weapons caches from terrorist positions.
"A large number of weapons, ammunition, and various materials were seized in terrorist caves, shelters, and hideouts in Operation Claw-Lock and other operational areas, rendering them unusable," the spokesperson said.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has conducted a nearly four-decade campaign that Turkish officials say has killed more than 40,000 people. Türkiye has intensified cross-border operations against PKK positions in northern Iraq, where militants establish bases near the Turkish frontier.
Türkiye delivered its harshest criticism yet of Israeli military operations, with Akturk accusing Israel of "jeopardizing regional stability and peace" through what he termed an "unlawful attack" on Iran.
"As talks intensify regarding Iran's nuclear program, Israel has launched an unlawful attack against our neighbor Iran, once again jeopardizing regional stability and peace," Akturk said.
Defense ministry sources expanded the condemnation, stating that "Israel's aggressive policies towards Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran further destabilize the already fragile balances in the region."
The Turkish military leadership demanded an immediate halt to Israeli operations, warning that the country's "aggressive stance, which knows no boundaries, is driving the region into chaos."
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