Turkish defence official details regional operations, Northern Cyprus security

Vice Admiral Zeki Akturk, spokesperson for Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence, provided a detailed briefing on the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces during a press session at the 10th Main Jet Base Command in Incirlik, Adana, the ministry reported.

Over the past week, six PKK militants surrendered, while operations to locate and destroy hideouts, mines, and improvised explosive devices continued. The total length of destroyed tunnels in Syria has now reached 767 kilometres. Türkiye’s borders are being secured using multi-layered, high-tech monitoring systems.

“Last week, 139 individuals were detained, including six members of terrorist organisations. Since January 1, some 1,417 people have attempted to cross our borders illegally, with 2,486 attempts prevented. So far this year, the total number of prevented crossings has reached 15,979. During a border search in Van, four kilograms of narcotics were seized,” Akturk said.

On regional developments, he stated: “Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and ongoing ground operations violate international and humanitarian law, exacerbating instability.” Türkiye reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, called on the international community to end pressure on the Palestinian people, and highlighted the importance of the safe operation of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Turkish Armed Forces continue to enhance operational capabilities through exercises and international cooperation:

• From March 24 to April 4, the 9th activation of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group will involve Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania.

• The naval task group is participating in exercises Steadfast Dart-2026, Dynamic Mariner, Joint Warrior, and Cold Response-2026 in Northern Europe, returning to the Mediterranean from March 18.

• On March 25, TCG Göksu, TCG Bayraktar, TCG Bartın, and TCG Yüzbaşı Güngör Durmuş will deploy to Somalia for naval operations.

• From March 24 to 28, a joint meeting of the Turkish and Brazilian navies will take place.

• On March 26, a Mehteran unit concert will be held in Edirne as part of the Day of Remembrance for Balkan Martyrs.

Akturk also highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen its armed forces through domestic strategic and technological products:

• The Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation has supplied weapons and ammunition while obtaining AS9100 certification for the aviation and defence industries.

• TUSAŞ has delivered new “Süper Şimşek” drones to the Turkish Air Force.

He noted that Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler recently visited Italy for planned bilateral and business meetings on regional security and defence industry cooperation.

Akturk emphasised the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and international maritime trade.

Regarding Cyprus, Türkiye continues to monitor developments closely, noting the invalidity of a NOTAM issued by Southern Cyprus, and reaffirms its right to protect the security of Northern Cyprus and the island as a whole.

By Vafa Guliyeva