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Turkish defense officials said attacks by the terrorist organization YPG-led SDF against Syrian government forces in Manbij and rural Aleppo violate a March 10 agreement and threaten regional stability.
Ministry of National Defense sources stated during a weekly press briefing on Thursday that the attacks "clearly demonstrate once again that the SDF terrorist organization is not acting in accordance with the agreement it signed with the Syrian government on March 10, 2025."
Türkiye remains committed to supporting Syria's "One State, One Army" principle and will continue close cooperation with the Syrian government in combating terrorist organizations, the sources said. The ministry emphasized its determination to work for Syria's stability and regional peace.
Defense Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk reported that 312 individuals, including four members of terrorist organizations, were caught attempting illegal border crossings this week, while 833 were prevented from crossing.
Since the beginning of the year, 6,989 people have been caught attempting to cross illegally, with 51,141 prevented from crossing borders.
The Syrian Air Force commander and Naval Force commander visited Ankara as part of efforts to develop the new Syrian government's defense and security capacity. The visits gained momentum following a memorandum of understanding signed in August, with training and exchanges continuing reciprocally.
"We stated that we would provide all kinds of support, regardless of land, sea or air distinctions, for developing the defense and security capacity of the new government established in Syria," ministry sources said.
The Turkish Armed Forces destroyed 17 kilometers of tunnels in Tel Rifat and Manbij last week, bringing the total tunnel length destroyed in Syrian operational areas to 622 kilometers.
One PKK terrorist surrendered during operations in the Claw-Lock region, where numerous weapons, ammunition and materials were seized and destroyed.
Türkiye conducted the "Friendship Sea Exercise" with Egypt from Sept. 22 to 26, with Egyptian naval vessels Tahya Misr and Fouad Zekry visiting Aksaz port.
Officials emphasized that activities with Egypt and Libya do not target third countries.
"We want the Mediterranean to be a sea of peace," the sources stated, noting Türkiye works to develop win-win relationships in the region.
Admiral Akturk announced that 15 ships will conduct a naval parade in the Istanbul Bosphorus on Sept. 27 to commemorate the 487th anniversary of the Battle of Preveza and Naval Forces Day. Eight additional ships will make port visits and be open to public viewing.
Admiral Akturk welcomed recent decisions by several countries, including U.N. Security Council members, to recognize Palestine, expressing hope these decisions will contribute to a two-state solution.
"We call on the international community not to be satisfied with these positive developments but to take active measures against Israel, which is trying to make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible and adds new attacks to its reckless attacks against regional countries every day," Akturk said.
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