Syria troop deployments may shift based on operational needs: Turkish Defense Ministry

Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry highlighted key security developments during a press briefing on Thursday, emphasizing ongoing military operations in Syria and Iraq, as well as Türkiye’s stance on regional and international issues.

In Syria, where a new era has begun, we once again emphasize that the occupied territories should be liberated from terrorist organizations and returned to their rightful owners, that the Syrian people who were forced to migrate should be returned voluntarily, safely and with dignity, and that we will continue our fight against all elements of the PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF and Daesh in Syria and Iraq, which pose a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and our borders, through preventive and destructive measures.

Ministry of National Defense

Türkiye’s ongoing military operations in Syria

Defense officials reaffirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) would continue its mission in Syria. Troop movements and redeployments within Syria are subject to operational needs, with units potentially being reassigned to different regions.

“Syria’s local population, affected by the occupation of terrorist organizations, has no tolerance left for these groups. The rightful owners of the occupied lands want their territories back,” the MoD stated, underlining Türkiye’s commitment to restoring Syria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safe return of displaced Syrians.

We continue our contacts and mutual efforts with the Syrian government to strengthen the defense and security capacity of the Syrian army.

The local people, the real owners of the territories occupied by the terrorist organization, have no more tolerance for the terrorist organization. They want the organization occupying their lands to leave their lands immediately. Furthermore, the mission of the Turkish Armed Forces in Syria continues.

Depending on the needs, our troops in Syria may change their deployment or be assigned to different regions.

Ministry of National Defense

Ankara’s security cooperation with Iraq

The Defense Ministry provided updates on the Claw-Lock Operation, a counterterrorism initiative in northern Iraq aimed at eliminating PKK terrorists. Officials noted continued efforts to dismantle caves, shelters, and depots used by the organization, as well as ongoing demining and explosive disposal activities.

“Coordination with Iraqi authorities remains strong, with both parties working to secure the region and address terrorist threats,” the ministry emphasized, reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in the region.

We had previously stated that the lock was closed and that the work in the area was not yet finished. However, our search and search activities continue in the area we have taken under control. We continue to render the caves, bunkers, shelters and warehouses we have identified unusable.

In addition, we continue to detect and destroy the mines and improvised explosive devices that have been laid in large quantities by the terrorist organization. In addition to these activities, our fortification activities for the safety of our troops serving there continue. Our work continues in coordination with Iraqi authorities.

We are pleased to observe that they are also taking measures in the south of the region and settlements where we are conducting operations. In addition, our operations against terrorists in the south of the Claw-Lock region continue. Our struggle will continue with determination until the last terrorist is neutralized.

Ministry of National Defense

Monitoring Eastern Mediterranean activities

Regarding the Greek Cypriot Administration’s illegal drilling activities near Türkiye’s continental shelf, the National Defense Ministry confirmed close monitoring of the situation.

The ministry stated: “We are closely observing the activities of the vessel that commenced operations on January 19, located 22 kilometers south of our maritime jurisdiction. Türkiye and the Turkish Cyprus will resolutely defend their rights and interests.”

The navigational warning issued by the Greek Cyprus is located outside our Maritime Jurisdiction and 11.5 miles, approximately 22 kilometers south. In this context, we are closely following the activities of the ship in question, which started on January 19, 2025.

The rights and interests of our country and the Turkish Cyprus will continue to be defended with determination, and any violation against our continental shelf will be immediately prevented in the field.

Our state knows more than anyone else. It evaluates the issue in all its dimensions and determines the steps to be taken. It will take those steps when the time comes.

Ministry of National Defense

Call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza

The ministry expressed support for the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“We hope for a lasting truce and a fair resolution to the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution. Türkiye will continue to stand with the Palestinian people,” officials said.

“The international community must immediately fulfill its responsibility to ensure the uninterrupted and adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been persecuted for months, and to initiate a process towards a just and lasting peace on the basis of a two-state solution,” MoD stated.

“Our country will continue to stand by the Palestinian people as it has done until today,” the ministry added.