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Türkiye's Defense Ministry warned Thursday that the terrorist organization YPG-led SDF's failure to fulfill disarmament and integration commitments threatens both Syria's unity and Ankara's national security, while also addressing recent tensions with Greece over alleged airspace violations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ministry of National Defense sources emphasized during a weekly press briefing at the Land Forces Training and Doctrine Command (EDOK) that the SDF's resistance to integration poses significant regional challenges.
"The SDF terrorist organization's failure to fulfill its commitments to disarm and integrate into the Syrian state threatens Syria's unity and integrity as well as our national security," Defense Ministry sources stated.
The ministry stressed that the SDF must comply with the Syrian army integration process and "refrain from all actions and rhetoric that could harm Syria's political unity and territorial integrity."
Türkiye pledged to continue monitoring the integration process closely, with Defense Ministry sources confirming: "Türkiye will continue to follow this process and, when necessary, provide all kinds of support to Syria to contribute to both its own security and Syria's stability."
The defense ministry also addressed Greek media reports claiming two Turkish F-16 fighter jets violated the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) between Rhodes and Meis islands.
The sources clarified that on the day in question, a Turkish P-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was conducting a NATO-sanctioned mission with full knowledge of both NATO and Greek authorities.
"Despite this, Greece reacted to our unarmed aircraft with two armed F-16 aircraft from Crete/Kastellion airfield and conducted an interception," the sources stated.
"In addition to this reaction, our Unarmed Maritime Patrol Aircraft's flight safety was violated, and our aircraft was put in a dangerous situation and harassed," the sources added.
Turkish Air Force Quick Reaction Alert aircraft responded to maintain necessary separation between aircraft while preserving a measured stance to prevent unwanted incidents. NATO authorities were subsequently informed through standard NATO reporting procedures.
The ministry characterized the incident as "a new example of Greece's recent escalatory steps both in rhetoric and in the field," noting it contradicts the letter and spirit of the 2023 Athens Declaration signed between the two countries.
"As Türkiye, we will continue our constructive approach in favor of reconciliation. Our aim is to maintain the positive atmosphere in our region, and we want to emphasize that we will continue our efforts in this direction," the sources added.
Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, Defense Ministry's press and public relations advisor and ministry spokesperson, condemned Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza during the EDOK briefing.
"Israel is committing the crime of genocide, despising the most basic human values before the eyes of the world," Akturk stated, noting that babies, children, women, and elderly people are being killed or dying from hunger in Gaza.
Akturk called the international community's inability to stop the killings "inexplicable" and expressed deep disappointment in the United Nations' inadequacy in addressing the crisis.
"We strongly reject Israel's insidious plans aimed at forcing Palestinians from Gaza for deportation in order to prepare the ground for expanding the occupation," Akturk said, urging increased international pressure and sanctions to establish a ceasefire and pursue a two-state solution.
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