Türkiye condemns use of civilians as human shields by PKK/YPG/SDF at Tishrin Dam

Sources from Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense affirmed the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TAF) commitment to countering efforts by terrorist groups such as PKK/YPG/SDF to destabilize the region by exploiting critical infrastructure like the Tishrin Dam.

The statements came during a press briefing held aboard the TCG Salihreis.

“TAF is determined to prevent terrorist organizations such as PKK/YPG/SDF from using strategic infrastructure to disrupt regional stability,” Turkish Defense Ministry sources stated in response to questions about recent developments in Syria.

Condemning use of civilians as human shields around Tishrin Dam

Turkish Defense Ministry strongly condemned the use of civilians as human shields by PKK/YPG/SDF terrorists around the Tishrin Dam.

“This act of employing civilians, including civilian-clothed militant groups, is a blatant violation of human rights and an affront to international law,” the ministry’s sources emphasized.

They also criticized the groups for prioritizing their interests over the safety of civilians, noting, “Such actions exemplify the moral collapse and desperation of terrorist organizations.”

Commitment to border security and international law

Highlighting the Tishrin Dam’s strategic importance for water resources, energy production, and regional security, the Ministry of Defense reiterated its stance on maintaining Türkiye’s safety and sovereignty.

“TAF will continue cross-border operations if terrorist groups refuse to disarm, in line with international law and the United Nations Charter’s principle of self-defense. This determination aims to eliminate threats posed by terrorist elements that jeopardize peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.

Türkiye remains committed to respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and supporting peaceful solutions for the Syrian people while ensuring the protection of its borders through robust security measures.

‘We will not allow any terrorist presence or impositions’

Highlighting that the borders are being protected with the most extensive measures in the history of the Republic and a multilayered security system, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk stated, “A total of 108 individuals attempting to cross the borders illegally have been apprehended. Among those detained, 7 were members of terrorist organizations, and 939 individuals were prevented from crossing the border.”

Akturk emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to make significant contributions to regional and global security, peace and stability in line with their responsibilities on international platforms and bilateral relations.

“We welcome the new developments emerging in Syria, our neighbor with whom we share the longest land border. As Türkiye, we will continue to stand by the Syrian people, as we have done so far. We will further strengthen our support to ensure lasting security and stability in the region in close cooperation with the new administration. Preparations to enhance Syria’s defense and security capabilities are ongoing. We reiterate once again that we will not allow any terrorist presence or impositions in the region,” he added.

‘Israel’s compliance with cease-fire in Lebanon essential for regional stability’

Akturk criticized Israel for continuing to violate international law and human values, stating that the country has caused the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians and continues to indiscriminately kill innocent civilians in Gaza.

He stressed the importance of halting Israel’s actions, which have plunged the Middle East into violence and chaos, saying, “The international community must urgently fulfill its responsibilities to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the region. Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire declared in Lebanon and refraining from intervening in Syria is essential for the stability of our region.”

Akturk also underlined the indispensability of establishing an independent, sovereign, and territorially intact Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.