Newsletters
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said a military operation in Syria is "not on the table right now," while emphasizing that Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) remain ready and at their posts 24/7, responding to speculation about potential military action.
The minister's comments to Turkish media outlet CNN Turk came after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech at the 954th Anniversary Celebration of the Malazgirt Victory at Malazgirt National Park Area, where Erdogan stated: "Türkiye is the guarantor of peace and tranquility in the region, Türkiye is also the guarantor of the Kurds' security. Those who turn toward Ankara and Damascus will win. If the sword comes out of its sheath, there is no room for pen and words."
When asked directly whether there would be an operation in Syria following interpretations of Erdogan's remarks as signaling military action, Guler responded carefully while making his statements during a tour of the Teknofest Blue Homeland event.
"The Turkish Armed Forces are at their posts 24/7, ready and waiting. I don't want to say something like this will happen here, that will happen there," Guler stated.
"But what we actually want to say has already been expressed by our President. I repeat the same expression," he noted.
The defense minister explicitly addressed the Syria question: "For Syria, we are not saying an operation is on the table right now. Because all our armed forces are already ready to do their job every day, at their posts."
During his Teknofest Blue Homeland visit, Guler praised Türkiye's defense industry developments, particularly in naval capabilities.
"The Turkish defense industry has gained incredible momentum, especially in the last 20 years, with the directives of our President. And they have achieved great success. I want to congratulate all the technical personnel working separately," Guler said.
He noted significant developments in land and air defense systems, adding that naval advancements are now being showcased: "Actually, we have very important developments at sea as well, but these coincided with today. From now on, Allah willing, all our citizens will feel great pride like the others as they see the defense industry products we will use in the Blue Homeland."
The defense minister expressed confidence in Türkiye's defense capabilities and their public display.
"We share what we produce with the public. Our friends take great pride in this. Our enemies must be very upset. If there are any, we don't know, of course," Guler stated.
3 min read
