Ministry of National Defense (MSB) Weekly Press Information Meeting was held.
Answering questions from members of the press after the meeting, Ministry sources made critical evaluations regarding maritime jurisdiction areas in the Eastern Mediterranean and the latest situation in Iraq's Sinjar region.
Ministry sources described the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Delimitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas, signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019, by the Libyan House of Representatives on October 20, 2026, as an important development that supports Türkiye's approach based on the principles of international law and equity.
Sources pointed out that the legitimate rights of the riparian countries in the Eastern Mediterranean should be protected and made the following call to Egypt;
"In this context, we emphasize once again that we are ready to sign an agreement with Egypt on the Limitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas in line with mutual interests. If Egypt signs such an agreement with our country, it is evaluated that it will have a maritime jurisdiction area of more than 15 thousand square kilometers compared to a possible agreement with Greece. Our country will continue to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of international law and contribute to regional peace, security and stability."
THE NORMALIZATION PROCESS IN SINJAR IS BEING CLOSELY FOLLOWED
In the question-answer section, where the steps of the Iraqi Central Government to establish state authority in Sinjar were also evaluated, it was stated that the normalization steps in the region were welcomed.
The statement said, "Ending the existence of terrorist organizations in the region and ensuring security by Iraq's official security forces is an important development in terms of establishing permanent peace and stability in Sinjar and the goal of a terrorist-free zone. The process in question is closely followed in coordination with the relevant institutions of our state."
CONDOLENCES TO MARTYRED COLONEL GÖKGÖZ AND CELEBRATION OF REPUBLIC DAY
At the press briefing, Intelligence Colonel Sayit Gökgöz, who was martyred in the military vehicle accident that occurred in Ankara on October 24, was remembered with mercy and condolences were expressed to his family and the nation.
At the meeting where the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic was celebrated, it was reported that 29 ships of the Navy will visit 29 ports within the scope of October 29 Republic Day, Turkish Stars will make a respect flight over Anıtkabir, and SOLOTÜRK will make a demonstration flight in Eskişehir. It was also noted that military museums will be opened to the public free of charge on October 29.
COMBAT TERRORISM AND BORDER SECURITY
It was reported that 2 more PKK terrorists surrendered in the last week within the scope of the operations carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).
Thanks to the effective measures taken at the border line, it was announced that 422 people, including 1 member of a terrorist organization, were caught in the last week and 957 people were prevented before crossing the border. Thus, since January 1, the number of people caught trying to cross the borders illegally has increased to 14 thousand 629, and the number of those blocked has increased to 57 thousand 855.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
The following information about the bilateral relations of the Turkish Armed Forces was included in the briefing;
In order to improve the capabilities of the Syrian Naval Forces, representatives of the Naval Forces and ASFAT visited Latakia with TCG Bora on 22 October.
While the "3rd Türkiye-Azerbaijan Land Forces Cooperation Meeting" continues in Azerbaijan, a similar meeting with Albania will be held in Türkiye on 2-5 November.
Within the scope of Türkiye-Greece Confidence Building Measures, the Greek Tactical Air Force Commander will visit the Combat Air Force Command on 3-5 November.
The post of Deputy Commander of the Kosovo Peace Force (KFOR) was taken over by Türkiye for 1 year as of October 27.
NEW SYSTEMS ENTERING THE INVENTORY
Regarding the developments in the defense industry, it was stated that the acceptance activities of various quantities of Karayel Keeled Boats and Cable Kamikaze-2 Unmanned Ground Vehicles (IKA) have been completed by the Land Forces Command. It was stated that MKE delivered MAM-15 sniper rifles to stakeholders and will participate in the Euronaval Fair in Paris on 3-6 November.
In addition, it was announced that the classification results of the non-commissioned officers and reserve officer/petty officer candidates who will be recruited during the November-December 2026 and January 2027 recruitment periods were announced via e-Government.
