Turkish interior minister defends security measures during NATO summit

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi has defended the extensive security measures implemented during this week's NATO summit in Ankara, saying the restrictions were proportionate to the security risks despite criticism from residents, opposition figures, and rights groups over disruptions to daily life.

Speaking during a live broadcast on Turkish television channel 24 TV on July 9, Çiftçi said approximately 56,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed to secure the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, held on July 7–8 at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkish media reports.

“We did not exaggerate the measures. We took precautions to the extent necessary,” Çiftçi said, adding that security officials had assessed all potential risks before the event.

The summit brought together leaders of NATO's 32 member states and marked the second time Türkiye has hosted the alliance's summit, following the 2004 meeting in Istanbul.

According to Çiftçi, security planning began months in advance, with Ankara serving as the center of a multi-layered security operation. He said surrounding provinces formed the first security ring, nearby provinces and port cities the second, and border provinces the third.

The minister added that intelligence, cybercrime, and counterterrorism units began preparations one month before the summit, with security measures intensified 15 days ahead of the event and reaching their highest level during the final 72 hours.

“After all these measures, we got through the summit without any problems or accidents,” Çiftçi said.

By Sabina Mammadli