Turkish Defense Ministry addresses US base claims, Eurofighter progress, ops update

Admiral Zeki Akturk, press and public relations consultant of the Ministry of National Defense spoke at the weekly press briefing to journalists regarding the latest events.

“Through the operations conducted, including in northern Iraq and Syria, 48 terrorists were neutralized in the past week, and from January 1 to date, a total of 2,505 terrorists have been neutralized, including 1,299 in Iraq and 1,206 in northern Syria.”

Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralized” in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Eurofighter Typhoon procurement progress

In response to questions about the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, ministry sources confirmed that Germany has approved the assignment of a “Provisional Sales Authority,” speeding up the acquisition process.

Approval for the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to our country had already been granted by consortium member countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. Now, Germany has also approved the appointment of a Temporary Sales Authority for the aircraft.

This is expected to accelerate the procurement process.

Technical-level work on the acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is considered a potential alternative to meet the operational needs of our Air Force Command, is ongoing.

Turkish Defense Ministry

Türkiye reaffirms right to act under self-defense

As The Turkish Defense Ministry emphasized that conducting operations or military actions to ensure the nation’s security is Türkiye’s natural right under international law. The ministry also affirmed that Türkiye will take all necessary actions.

Conducting operations or military actions for the security of our country and borders is Türkiye’s natural right under international law and the principle of self-defense.

We have done whatever was necessary so far, and we will continue to do so. Regardless of where the source of the terrorism threatening our country and nation is, we will take the necessary action, as we have done in the past, when the time and place are appropriate.

What matters most to us is the safety of our people and our country.

Turkish Defense Ministry

Concerns over potential US base in Greek Cyprus

In response to claims that the United States may lease bases in the Greek Cyprus Administration, Türkiye has stated it will take all necessary military and political measures to protect the security, rights, and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), ensuring the safety and well-being of Turkish Cypriots under the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance, regardless of the cost.

We are closely monitoring any developments on the island of Cyprus that could disrupt the balance or pose a threat to the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

We will continue to take necessary military and political measures to ensure the security of the TRNC and to protect its rights and interests against any attempts by foreign states to establish bases on the island in a manner that violates international law.

As in the past, Türkiye will continue to take all necessary steps, today and in the future, under the framework of the ‘Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance‘ to ensure the safety, peace, and well-being of Turkish Cypriots, no matter the cost.

Turkish Defense Ministry

The U.S. is moving forward with the establishment of a new military base in the former Turkish village of Tatlisu (Mari) in Greek Cyprus. Recent reports from the Greek Cypriot press indicate that construction is accelerating at the Evangelos Florakis Helicopter Base, with U.S. military equipment seen participating in the work.

The government of Greek Cyprus has granted the U.S. control over Tatlisu, where the new helicopter base is under construction. The expansion of the nearby naval base and port areas is also underway, with the U.S. providing technical support for these projects. The base’s strategic location next to the Vasiliko Power Plant has drawn attention.

Updates about cross-border operations and illegal border crossings

Through the conducted operations, including in northern Iraq and Syria, 48 terrorists were eliminated in the past week, and a total of 2,505 terrorists have been killed from Jan. 1 to date, including 1,299 in Iraq and 1,206 in northern Syria, Akturk stated.

He added that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) continues to eliminate terrorist hideouts, seizing numerous weapons, ammunition, and materials in caves discovered in the Claw-Lock operation area in northern Iraq. Additionally, one PKK/YPG terrorist surrendered at the Ceylanpinar border post in the past week.

“In the past week, 149 individuals, including one member of a terrorist organization, were apprehended while attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,443 individuals were prevented from crossing. Since January 1, a total of 12,610 people have been apprehended, and 87,755 individuals have been stopped from crossing the borders illegally,” Akturk shared.