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Turkish defense officials warned that any exploitation of the integration process between the YPG/SDF terrorist organization and Syria's new administration will not be tolerated, emphasizing Türkiye's unwavering determination in counterterrorism efforts.
Ministry of National Defense sources made the statement during a weekly press briefing at the 5th Main Maintenance Factory Directorate on Thursday.
"We remind you that the exploitation of the integration process between the YPG/SDF terrorist organization and Syria's new administration will never be tolerated, and we once again emphasize that there is no reduction in Türkiye's determination to fight terrorism," the sources stated.
Defense sources reported an increase in terrorist surrenders following the PKK terrorist organization's dissolution decision.
"Developments in the field following the terrorist organization's dissolution decision are being closely monitored in coordination with all institutions, and all measures are being taken. There is an increase in the number of terrorists surrendering," officials said.
The sources confirmed that search and sweep operations, including cave-clearing activities, continue unabated.
Regarding the situation in Syria, defense ministry sources outlined Türkiye's fundamental goals.
"As Türkiye, our main goal is to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and unity, increase Syria's security capacity, and ensure cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism," they stated.
On the Türkiye-Libya maritime delimitation agreement, defense sources responded positively to reports that the Haftar side is examining the accord.
"The Memorandum of Understanding on the Delimitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas signed between our country and Libya in 2019 is an equitable agreement that protects the rights of both countries arising from international law," the sources explained.
"Within the scope of this Memorandum of Understanding, our alliance with Libya, based on historical ties, has also been registered through the seas. We welcome the Haftar side's examination of this and are closely following developments," they added.
Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk reported that six more PKK terrorists surrendered in the past week after fleeing their hideouts in northern Iraq.
Akturk noted that 2,559 individuals attempting illegal crossings have been caught since Jan. 1, with 112 apprehended in the past week alone.
Additionally, 37,637 people have been prevented from crossing this year, including 1,634 in the past week.
In ongoing tunnel destruction operations that began on Jan. 8, Turkish forces have destroyed 151 kilometers of tunnels in the Tel Rifat region and 124 kilometers in the Manbij region.
Regarding regional developments, Akturk condemned Israel's interception of the humanitarian aid ship Madleen in international waters.
"Israel's intervention in international waters against the ship 'Madleen,' which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and included our citizens, is a clear violation of international law," he stated.
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