Turkish army only one fighting Daesh face-to-face: Defense Minister
Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler. (AA Photo)
“Türkiye paid a heavy price before intervening in Syria. The only army that has fought Daesh face-to-face on the ground is the Turkish Army,” Defense Minister Yasar Guler said during his visit to Syrian border.
Guler accompanied by Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak, Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Land Forces Commander General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, and Air Forces Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, conducted a video teleconference during their visit to Kilis/Cildiroba.
During inspections and evaluations at the Sixth Army Corps and Joint Special Task Force Command Headquarters near the Syrian border, Minister Guler addressed domestic and cross-border military commanders, emphasizing Türkiye’s counterterrorism operations and border security efforts.
Guler highlights consequences
Guler highlighted the consequences of the Syrian crisis, which began in 2011, and how it created an environment where terrorist organizations like PKK/YPG and Daesh gained ground, threatening Türkiye’s national security.
He reminded attendees of past terrorist attacks in Turkish cities before military operations in Syria:
- Reyhanli: 50 deaths
- Suruc: 34 deaths
- Ankara: 109 deaths
- Istanbul: 45 deaths
- Gaziantep: 59 deaths
- Kilis: 22 deaths
Additionally, prior to cross-border operations, Türkiye experienced:
- 95 missile attacks on Kilis before Operation Euphrates Shield
- 53 attacks on Kilis and 109 on Hatay before Operation Olive Branch
- 407 attacks on Mardin, 632 on Sanliurfa, 241 on Sirnak, and nine on Gaziantep before Operation Peace Spring
He noted that during Operation Euphrates Shield, 67 Turkish soldiers were killed while successfully disrupting terrorist corridors and restoring normal life in liberated areas.
‘We believe Syrian National Army will liberate all occupied lands’
Minister Guler expressed optimism about Syria’s future, emphasizing the role of the Syrian National Army in liberating regions like Tel Rifaat and Manbij from PKK/YPG terrorists.
“We believe that the Syrian National Army, alongside the Syrian people, will liberate all territories occupied by terrorist groups,” he stated.
As a result of the process that started in Syria on Nov. 27, Tel Rifaat was cleared of YPG/PKK terrorist elements by the Syrian National Army on Dec. 2, and Manbij on Dec. 9.
We believe that the new administration in Syria and the Syrian National Army, which is an important part of its army, will liberate all the lands occupied by terrorist organizations together with the Syrian people.
We will take all necessary measures with the same determination until all terrorist elements beyond our borders are cleared.
I would like to draw attention to the following issue; what is happening in Syria today should not be seen as just “the developments of the last month”. The actions of the regime that has been oppressing its own people for years and the great efforts of the “real owners” of Syria who said “stop now” have brought good days. At the same time, the success achieved is also a result of the heroic struggle of our Turkish Armed Forces, especially our martyrs and veterans, which started in August 2016 to protect our homeland from across the border, and the solidarity and sacrifice of our noble nation by embracing millions of refugees.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler
Guler reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, political unity, and long-term stability, emphasizing collaboration with the new Syrian administration.
Türkiye calls for international cooperation
Guler urged international actors to acknowledge Türkiye’s sacrifices and initiatives in Syria, highlighting the importance of respecting Türkiye’s sensitivities for achieving a fair, lasting, and sustainable peace.
Key points from his statement included:
- Türkiye remains committed to preventing terrorist organizations like PKK/YPG and Daesh from establishing footholds.
- Any attempts at demographic engineering by terrorist groups will fail.
- Türkiye will continue preemptive measures against cross-border terrorist threats.
Therefore, all actors in the field should take into consideration the sacrifices made by our country and the initiatives it has undertaken in the steps to be taken; for a fair, permanent and sustainable solution, our country’s sensitivities should be respected. Every statement made and every step taken today must also respect the expectations of the local people and the prices paid for this cause.
At this stage, Türkiye will continue to do what is necessary to establish stability in Syria and ensure the honorable return of the refugees. Essentially, all actors active in the region and our allies now accept the fact that Türkiye is a key to the solution.
In this context, it is of great importance for all actors to support the new administration and cooperate with Türkiye for a comprehensive solution. It is essential to listen to the demands of the local people who have suffered from the humanitarian tragedies caused by years of conflict, to take steps to protect the demographic structure and to adopt a comprehensive approach to build long-term peace.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler
Ongoing operations in northern Iraq
Guler also addressed counter-terrorism operations in Iraq, including Operation Claw-Lock, which has disrupted terrorist strongholds in the Zap region.
“Terrorists have no choice but to surrender to Turkish justice. Otherwise, their inevitable fate is destruction,” he stated, emphasizing Türkiye’s resolve to eliminate terrorist threats in the region.
Similarly, we do not and will not allow terrorists in northern Iraq to open their eyes. Indeed, with the Claw-Lock Operation, the lock was closed in Zap and the security of our entire Iraqi border was ensured from the front.
We will continue to neutralize the terrorists who have been squeezed into caves in northern Iraq, where there is no room for movement; and to destroy them in the shelters they are in. Now, the only way out for terrorists is to surrender to the great Turkish justice.
Otherwise, the only end that awaits them is annihilation. Every place where terrorists are located is a legitimate target of our Turkish Armed Forces.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler
Türkiye’s role as strategic global actor
Minister Guler concluded by highlighting Türkiye’s geopolitical importance and its role as a stabilizing force in the region.
“Türkiye, with its strategic location and multifaceted diplomatic approach, is an indispensable player at the negotiation table,” he said.
Türkiye’s military operations, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian initiatives continue to play a critical role in regional and global stability.
