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Four more PKK terrorists surrendered from hideouts in northern Iraq over the past week, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced during its weekly press briefing, while calling for renewed cease-fire efforts in Gaza
Defense Ministry Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk reported that Turkish Armed Forces' ongoing operations, search-and-sweep activities, and border security operations resulted in four additional PKK terrorists surrendering from northern Iraq hideouts.
"In the past week, 112 people, including one terrorist organization member, were caught trying to cross our borders illegally," Akturk said.
"Since January 1, the number of those caught trying to cross illegally has reached 2,447, while the number of people prevented this year, including 1,192 prevented in the past week, has reached 36,003," he added.
Akturk also reported significant progress in tunnel destruction activities in Syrian operation areas, with Turkish forces destroying 146 kilometers of tunnels in the Tel Rifat region and 124 kilometers in the Menbic region since Jan. 8.
The operations represent ongoing Turkish military efforts to eliminate terrorist infrastructure in northern Syria following cross-border operations against the terrorist group YPG-led SDF.
The PYD/YPG, also referred to as the SDF, is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terrorist organization. PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. Türkiye also considers the YPG an extension of the PKK in Syria.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler's participation in the NATO defense ministers meeting was highlighted, with Türkiye emphasizing its role as the alliance's second-largest army.
During the meeting, Guler stressed that "peace and stability can be protected by developing deterrent capabilities, and for this, it is important to remove export restrictions and other obstacles among allies."
The minister particularly emphasized that the PKK/KCK terrorist organization's decision to dissolve and lay down arms represents an important development, stating that Türkiye "will not allow the process to be sabotaged and prolonged."
Guler held bilateral meetings with Belgian and Latvian Defense Ministers, as well as trilateral meetings with Romanian and Bulgarian defense ministers, discussing military relations, defense and security cooperation opportunities, and regional security issues.
Additionally, Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak participated in the second round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations held in Istanbul on June 2.
The Defense Ministry delivered sharp criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and regional operations, calling for immediate ceasefire restoration.
"Israel, which damages regional stability and peace with its attacks on Syria and Lebanon, continues to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza," Akturk stated.
"Negotiations for the re-establishment of ceasefire must now be concluded and uninterrupted passage of humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed," he added.
Responding to questions about ATAK helicopter deliveries to Somalia, ministry sources confirmed ongoing training, assistance, and advisory activities under bilateral agreements.
"These are standard measures we take to prevent possible terrorist activities targeting joint economic activities and to ensure the self-security of our units and elements in the region," ministry sources stated.
Defense Ministry sources responded to questions about the Greek Chief of Staff presenting a historical map to the Patriarchate, calling such actions "nostalgic comfort."
"We invite those who try to undermine the constructive approaches put forward by the leaders of both countries and try to make political careers by sowing discord between the Turkish and Greek peoples to abandon nostalgic comforts and see, understand and accept the realities," ministry sources said.
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