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Turkish Defense Ministry sources said Thursday they are closely monitoring developments regarding the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army, as part of ongoing efforts to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, ministry sources provided updates on Syria's security situation and outlined Türkiye's continued support for the Syrian government's counter-terrorism capabilities.
The Defense Ministry also announced that the 2025 High Military Council meeting (YAS), which will shape the command structure of the Turkish Armed Forces, will be held on Aug. 5 under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chairmanship at the Presidential Complex.
According to the March 10, 2025 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF terrorist organization, integration into the Syrian army must be completed by the end of this year.
"We are closely monitoring developments in the field regarding the integration of the SDF terrorist organization into the Syrian army," Defense Ministry sources stated.
"Türkiye will continue to support Syria's political unity and territorial integrity. In this direction, we will continue training, advisory and technical support activities requested by the Syrian administration to increase its capacity to combat terrorist organizations," sources noted.
Defense Ministry sources confirmed that Defense Minister Yasar Guler received U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and U.S. Special Representative for Syria Thomas Joseph Barrack on Monday.
"US Ambassador to Ankara and U.S. Special Representative for Syria Thomas Joseph Barrack paid a courtesy visit to our Minister on July 28, 2025," ministry sources said, adding: "During the meeting, views were exchanged on regional and international security issues, and opportunities for deepening defense industry cooperation were discussed."
Regarding the deaths of two soldiers at the Naval Petty Officer Training Regiment Command in Iskenderun, ministry sources provided an update on the investigation.
"The administrative investigation that has been initiated continues with great sensitivity," they said. "All activities of the unit in question are being examined in detail, covering the last week. For now, results from forensic medicine are awaited. Results will be shared with the public after the results from forensic medicine and the completion of the administrative investigation."
Ministry sources also confirmed that the administrative investigation into an incident in the Claw-Lock operation area, where 12 soldiers died after being affected by gas, "will be completed next week."
Defense Ministry Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk provided details on tunnel destruction activities in Syrian operational areas.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Land Forces Command, Akturk said tunnels totaling 517 kilometers in length have been destroyed to date—212 kilometers in Tel Rifat and 305 kilometers in the Manbij region.
Akturk lastly criticized Israeli policies, stating that "Israel harms all kinds of peace initiatives, regional security and stability."
"Binding measures should be taken immediately by the international community against Israel's aggression, the humanitarian disaster it causes in Gaza, and its annexation attempts against the West Bank," he said.
"For the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, which has turned into a humanitarian crisis, based on international law, the priority is for Israel to stop its arbitrary attacks, allow uninterrupted passage of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and establish a permanent cease-fire as soon as possible," he concluded.
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