Türkiye condemns Israel's settlement policies in Golan Heights

Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, Press and Public Relations Advisor of the Ministry of National Defense (MoD), made statements at a press briefing held at the Ministry. (Ministry of National Defense - Anadolu Agency)

The Ministry of National Defense of Türkiye strongly condemned Israel's decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights, a territory occupied since 1967.

The ministry's spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk criticized Israel's ongoing actions, stating, "Israel continues its unlawful conduct in Syria through land occupation. A cease-fire must be declared immediately to ensure regional stability."

Akturk also noted that Israel's recent actions in Golan should not overshadow ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where civilian casualties remain a pressing issue.

Ongoing counterterrorism operations in Syria and Iraq

Akturk outlined the continued efforts of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in counter-terrorism operations targeting groups such as PKK/KCK/PYD/YPG, Daesh and FETO. Since the beginning of the year, Türkiye has eliminated 2,959 terrorists—1,438 in Iraq and 1,521 in northern Syria. In the last week alone, 41 terrorists were eliminated, while three surrendered to border security posts.

Akturk emphasized that Türkiye’s counterterrorism preparations and measures will persist until the terrorist group PKK/YPG disarms and foreign fighters leave Syria.

Turkish soldier. (AA Photo)A Turkish soldier on guard in Beirut, Lebanon during Türkiye's evacuation operation. (AA Photo)Turkish soldiers stands as Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey enter with their belongings to Syria at Cilvegozu crossborder gate at Reyhanli distict in Hatay, on December 9, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)ANKARA, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 15: The personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), popularly known as the “maroon berets”, continue their paramedic level trainings to save lives in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. Professional soldiers serving in the Land, Naval and Air Forces apply to the Turkish Special Forces Command on a voluntary basis and undergo a challenging training process. After completing their training, the personnel are then subjected to new trainings according to their designated areas of specialization.( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )

Türkiye's diplomatic efforts for regional peace

Addressing Türkiye's commitment to regional stability, Akturk reaffirmed the nation’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing collaboration with the new Syrian administration and the Syrian National Army (SNA) to address threats posed by PKK/YPG-held territories.

Regarding comments from the U.S. State Department about a ceasefire agreement with PKK/YPG, Akturk dismissed the claim, suggesting it was a misstatement. He reiterated that Türkiye does not engage in negotiations with terrorist organizations.

ANKARA, TURKIYE - DECEMBER 18: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY MANDATORY CREDIT - 'TURKISH MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler (R) meets with Maria Eagle (L), Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry of the United Kingdom, in Ankara, Turkiye on December 18, 2024. ( TUR Ministry of National Defense - Anadolu Agency )President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (L) shake hands during a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye, Dec.18, 2024. (AA Photo)Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the 21st Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Egypt on December 18, 2024. (AA Photo)This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish presidential press service on December 17, 2024, shows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (Photo by Turkish Presidental Press Service / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Defense and training initiatives by Turkish Armed Forces

Akturk detailed TAF's recent activities, including participation in multinational exercises and advancements in the domestic defense industry. Notable developments include:

Deployment of a motorized infantry unit to Bosnia and Herzegovina under EUFOR Althea, beginning January 2025.
Participation of two F-16 jets in Romania’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Operations.
Ongoing trials for the TCG Akhisar, a domestically produced patrol vessel with the highest localization rate to date.

December 19, 2024 01:16 PM GMT+03:00