Weekly Press Briefing Meeting from Ministry of National Defense: Fight against Terrorism and Regional Developments

Ministry of Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spoke at the weekly press briefing.

Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:

FIGHT AGAINST TERROR

"During the past week, 1 more PKK terrorist surrendered, 878 people, including 2 members of the terrorist organization, were caught at our borders, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally from January 1 to today has reached 11 thousand 323, and with the 875 people blocked, the number of people blocked this year has reached 50 thousand 269.

ISRAEL

We condemn the actions carried out by the Houthis with the drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia last weekend, and state that such initiatives that threaten regional stability should be ended immediately. The ongoing Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab negatively affects not only regional security, but also international maritime trade and global stability.

On the other hand, Israel continues its simultaneous attacks against Lebanon, Syria and Palestine under the eyes of the international community, further deepening the instability in the region. We welcome the steps taken by 12 countries, led by the United Kingdom, France and Canada, to ban trade and business relations with illegal settlements in the West Bank. However, we invite the international community to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete and deterrent measures against Israel's disregard for international law and targeting the camps where displaced Palestinians live in Gaza and the settlements in the south of Lebanon. "We emphasize once again that Israel must immediately end its actions that violate international law in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the region."

Following the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry made statements in response to the questions of members of the press. The following statement was made by the Ministry:

MECCA DEFENSE ALLIANCE

Mecca Defense Alliance; It is an agreement based on defense and collective deterrence, shaped on the basis of deep-rooted relations and defense cooperation between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The agreement is not against any country, nor does it constitute an alternative to the existing relations of the party countries with third countries. Work towards the institutionalization of the alliance continues.

US ARMS EMBARGO TOWARDS Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus

The extension of the US decision to lift the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus for one year until September 30, 2027 is a step that may negatively affect the delicate balances and environment of trust on the Island of Cyprus. Türkiye, as the guarantor country, will continue to take the necessary measures for the security, peace and welfare of the Turkish Cypriots, in cooperation with the TRNC authorities, today and tomorrow, as in the past.

CONCERNING THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 51ST COMMANDO BRIGADE COMMAND TO SÖKE

Necessary arrangements regarding the organizational structure and deployment status of our units are made in line with the mission and operational needs of our Turkish Armed Forces. The change of headquarters of our 51st Commando Brigade Command was approved in June as a result of the evaluations made in this context.

GREEK PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO MEIS ISLAND

We emphasize once again that attempts to create a de facto situation contrary to the non-military status of Meis, which is located extremely close to the Turkish coast, are incompatible with international obligations and will not be accepted by our country.

While our country maintains its constructive approach in favor of good neighborliness and dialogue in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, it will continue to resolutely protect its rights and interests arising from international law.