‘We don’t want WWIII but we are ready for any scenario’: Turkish Defense Ministry

In a press briefing marking the 2233rd anniversary of the Turkish Land Forces Command, Advisor to the Ministry for Press and Public Relations Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk responded to questions about Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent remarks on the possibility of a third world war.

At the briefing, Akturk also provided updates on border security, counterterrorism, and international developments, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war.

Turkish army ready for any scenario

Akturk warned of a possible large-scale war similar to World War I and World War II. He stressed that Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense constantly reviews and adjusts its defense strategies to make sure the country stays among the most prepared in the world.

“Is there a comprehensive risk like in the first and second world wars? Of course, there’s a possibility. As the Ministry of National Defense, we continually assess our defense and security and update our plans accordingly. We can confidently say that we are one of the most prepared countries. The Turkish Armed Forces are a dynamic army conducting continuous operations in various regions. It’s an army that has tested and validated its plans and logistics. It also engages in peace-support activities worldwide. While no one, especially our country, wants a grim scenario like a third world war, it is essential to note that our army is ready for any scenario,” Akturk stated.

Border security

Akturk highlighted the intense, effective, and dynamic measures ensuring comprehensive security at the borders. He reported that in the past two weeks, 486 people attempting to cross the borders illegally were apprehended, 16 of whom were members of terrorist organizations. Additionally, 2,581 individuals were prevented from crossing.

“Since January 1, the number of people caught attempting to cross our borders illegally has risen to 5,215, while 62,217 people were stopped before crossing,” he said.

Counterterrorism

Akturk reported that 89 terrorists were eliminated in operations conducted over the past two weeks, including those in northern Iraq and Syria.

Since Jan. 1, 2024, the total number of eliminated terrorists has reached 1,270.

Permanent peace in Gaza

Rear Admiral Akturk condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on refugee camps and schools sheltering displaced Palestinians, noting that such attacks threaten regional stability.

“Any steps that could lead to larger conflicts must be avoided. Our priority is to end the massacre in Gaza and establish lasting peace in the region. We welcome the recognition of Palestine by more states, believing these steps will help Palestine achieve its rightful status in the international community,” he stated.

Türkiye’s contributions to regional and global peace

Akturk emphasized the Turkish Armed Forces’ continued efforts to contribute to global peace across various regions. He recalled Defense Minister Yasar Guler’s participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting and the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting in Brussels on June 13-14, as well as the signing of the Letter of Good Intent for Ukraine with allied defense ministers.

“In these meetings, our minister expressed strong support for Ukraine, especially regarding territorial integrity, our careful implementation of the Montreux Convention, and our commitment to regional ownership in the Black Sea, where we have the longest coastline among allies. This includes coordinated efforts with Bulgaria and Romania through the ‘Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group Initiative.'”

Additionally, our contributions to NATO’s command and force structure, operations, and missions in land, sea, air, and space were highlighted. We have met the 2% defense spending target and continue to combat terrorism, including PKK/YPG and their affiliates, on NATO’s southern border.

We will never allow a ‘terror corridor’ in northern Syria and Iraq and remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to NATO, significantly contributing to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region,” Akturk concluded.

Türkiye’s former military leader warns of proxy-led WWIII

In early 2024, amid escalating regional conflicts including internal turmoil in Sudan, Israeli attacks on Gaza, and the intensification of the Ukraine-Russia War into its second year, Türkiye’s former Minister of National Defense and former Chief of General Staff, Hulusi Akar, raised discussions of a potential WWIII during a conference titled “Türkiye’s Security Policy” in Eskisehir, Türkiye.

Akar suggested that WWIII is being conducted through proxies, stating: “Conceptually, the world has undergone significant changes. Traditional warfare no longer exists; the Third World War has already begun. When did it start, what will happen? It has started. Now they talk about something called hybrid warfare. There are no longer declarations of war; it’s a murky conflict where it’s unclear whether war is ongoing or not.

A typical example of this is the situation between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine is fighting against but can Ukraine do this alone? The whole world is involved, yet no one steps forward directly. They provide weapons, ammunition, money, food, and clothing, and encourage Ukraine to fight against Russia. Similarly, PKK/YPG against Türkiye alone – what can they achieve? Nothing. Who supports them? A, B, C, D, and others – all are involved. But is there anyone mediating in between? No, there isn’t. They are pushed into the front lines. These are known as proxy wars. We are actively countering this.”

This statement reflects Akar’s perspective on the current geopolitical landscape and the nature of conflicts involving proxy forces, framing them within the context of what he perceives as a new form of global warfare and WWIII.