The Ministry of National Defense announced that 59 terrorists, including so-called executives, were neutralized in the last week.
A press briefing was organized by the Ministry of National Defense. Speaking at the press conference held at the Ministry, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor of the Ministry of National Defense, stated that an SF-260D type training aircraft that took off from the 12th Air Transport Main Base Command for training was crashed for an unknown reason and that the cause of the incident will be clarified after the investigation of the accident investigation team, and said, “We once again wish God’s mercy to our two heroic pilots who were martyred in the tragic accident, and condolences and patience to their grieving families, the Turkish Armed Forces and our noble nation.”
“59 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week”
Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to fight against all kinds of threats and dangers with increasing pressure within the framework of the defense and security strategy that envisages eliminating threats at their source, and said, “59 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week with the operations. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized since January 1 has reached 1,151, 521 of whom were in northern Iraq and 630 in northern Syria. In addition, 1 PKK terrorist who fled from their shelters in northern Iraq surrendered to our border post in Habur this week.”
“The number of people prevented from crossing the border was 58 thousand 292”
Stating that the border line is supported by technological means and protected by physical security measures, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, “In the last week, 344 people trying to cross illegally were captured. One thousand 343 people were prevented from crossing the border. Thus, the number of people apprehended while trying to cross our borders illegally has increased to 5 thousand 5 since January 1. The number of people prevented from crossing the border has reached 58 thousand 292.” Stating that a bilateral meeting will be held today between the Chiefs of Staff of the two countries within the framework of Confidence Building Measures between Turkey and Greece at the 17th Meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Balkan Countries held in Albania, Aktürk also noted that a delegation from the National Defense University will visit the Greek National Defense College between June 6-9.
“This tragedy, which violates both human rights and international law, should not be taken for granted”
Rear Admiral Aktürk emphasized the need for a just solution to the Palestinian issue in order to achieve lasting peace in the region and said, “Israel, which has caused the death of 37 thousand innocent Palestinians with its inhumane attacks since October 7, forces the Palestinian people, from whom it has taken away all kinds of rights to life, to leave their lands by starving them. This tragedy, which is against both human rights and international law, should not be taken for granted. Recognizing Palestine as a state and having a voice with the support of the international community is essential for regional stability and lasting peace. We hope that the ceasefire talks will not remain in rhetoric in order to gain time.” Stating that the unit, which served within the scope of the rotation planning of the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) reserve unit, successfully completed its mission that started on March 1 and handed it over to the “Multinational Battalion” on June 1, Aktürk said that the repatriation of the said unit will be completed as of June 7. Stating that activities to increase the capabilities and capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces with domestic and national defense industry products continue, Aktürk said, “The inspection and acceptance activities of various amounts of OMTAS turreted armored anti-tank vehicle, DROPS wheeled container carrier vehicle and mini drone with BAZNA ammunition have been completed by our Land Forces Command.”
“We invite all young people who want to serve in our glorious army to apply”
Stating that the recruitment activities of personnel and military students by the Ministry of National Defense continue as planned, Aktürk used the following statements:
“Within the scope of the recruitment of 25 thousand specialist privates, applications for the ‘Land Forces Command 2024 Specialist Private Supply’, which started on June 3, will continue until June 30. We invite all young people who want to serve in our glorious army to apply. As a result, our Turkish Armed Forces will continue to eliminate all kinds of threats and dangers to our survival, to work with all its strength for the defense and security of our country, and to successfully fulfill all the duties it has undertaken, as it has done so far.”
Training airplane crashed in Kayseri
Ministry of National Defense sources responded to questions about whether the cause of the crash of the SF-260D aircraft that crashed in Kayseri was a technical malfunction as follows
“The aircraft in question is an entry-level basic training aircraft that we use in our pilot training programs. Our aircraft took off from the 12th Air Transportation Main Base Command on June 4, 2024 for an experience flight following routine factory level maintenance at the Kayseri 2nd Air Maintenance Factory Directorate. Both of our martyred pilot colonels were instructors and experienced pilots. During the test flights, one pilot operated the aircraft while the other pilot kept a record of the aircraft’s performance according to the checklist. Our SF-260D aircraft crashed at 10.02 am for an as yet undetermined reason. The cause of the incident will be clarified after the investigation of the accident investigation team.”
So-called local elections in northern Syria
Upon questions about the so-called elections wanted to be held by the terrorist organization PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF in northern Syria, Ministry of National Defense sources said, “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler have made the necessary warnings on the issue. These so-called elections must be completely canceled. Such a situation cannot be accepted.”
“It continues positively in accordance with the calendar”
In response to questions about the latest situation regarding the F-16 aircraft to be purchased from the US, Ministry of National Defense sources said, “The procurement process of F-16 Block-70 and modernization kits and other materials, ammunition and equipment to be purchased in line with the needs of our Air Force Command continues positively in accordance with the schedule we have previously announced.”
