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Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler warned on Saturday that terrorist organizations, including the PKK and its affiliates, must immediately cease all activities and surrender their weapons unconditionally.
The minister was speaking at the Fire Free-2025 military exercise.
"I would like to remind once again that we will not allow any terrorist organization, especially PKK/YPG/SDF, to take root in the region or operate in our neighbors under different names," Guler said.
The minister participated in the Fire Free-2025 event at the General Nahit Senoglu Shooting and Training Area in Ankara's Polatli district.
"PKK and all affiliated groups must immediately end all terrorist activities within the scope of the dissolution decision, and all extensions operating in different geographies and under different names, especially in Syria, must surrender their weapons as soon as possible and unconditionally," Guler said.
Guler said the exercise demonstrated the "heroic army's superior firepower" and the high level reached by the domestic national defense industry.
He noted that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) possesses capabilities and highly qualified personnel.
"In this activity, where different systems in our army's inventory were tested and their effectiveness was observed once again, interoperability between our forces was strengthened, coordination of fire support was developed, and at the same time, the activity offered an exceptional experience opportunity for our personnel to get to know weapons of various calibers and features," Guler said.
Guler emphasized that global threats, terrorism, and geopolitical risks remind us of the importance of having a strong, ready, and deterrent army.
"Under the visionary leadership of our president and with the great efforts of our beloved domestic defense industry organizations, Türkiye has made groundbreaking progress in the domestic national defense industry," Guler said.
The minister said Türkiye is deepening cooperation with friends and allies through multidimensional diplomacy and increasing the country's active role on international platforms.
He noted Türkiye assumed the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) command again last week.
Guler said Türkiye actively contributed to ceasefire negotiations in Egypt, demonstrating that the country is an effective member of international negotiation tables.
"It should not be forgotten that the applicability of the plan to completely stop the conflicts in Gaza depends on international support and the establishment of fair guarantee mechanisms," Guler said.
He said Türkiye will closely monitor developments regarding the full implementation and continuity of the ceasefire, particularly the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to the region, and will fulfill its responsibilities in all necessary areas.
Guler said the country has reached an important turning point in the fight against terrorism, which has threatened Türkiye's peace, security and future for over 40 years.
"We are working with great effort under the leadership of our president to achieve the 'Terror-Free Türkiye' goal in all areas within the framework of our Türkiye Century vision, to direct all our country's resources and energy toward development, prosperity and a common future full of light," Guler said.
He said the ultimate goal is the end of terrorism, the complete liquidation of terrorist organizations, and the elimination of all threats to the country, which is the common wish of 86 million citizens.
"We continue our work with the understanding of strengthening our internal front and consolidating our thousand-year brotherhood," Guler concluded.
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