Ankara: The Turkish Ministry of Defense has issued a strong statement accusing Israel of continuing its expansionist and aggressive tactics aimed at turning the Middle East into a conflict zone. The Ministry emphasized Turkey’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Ministry of Defense, in a weekly press release, accused the Israeli government of violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and Lebanon. It further alleged that Israel supports illegal settler terrorism in Palestine and engages in provocative actions that breach the historical and legal status of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. The Ministry warned that such activities threaten regional and global stability and erode trust in international law among the region’s populations.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense reiterated Turkey’s dedication to peace efforts in the Middle East and urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by taking effective measures against what it described as Israel’s “expansionist and genocidal” policies.
Additionally, the Ministry provided updates on several defense initiatives, including the training of Turkish pilots on British Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This training, which began last August, is part of an agreement with the British government, and is expected to continue for eight months.
The Ministry also highlighted developments related to the Mecca Defense Alliance, noting a meeting held in Istanbul on August 31st involving defense and foreign affairs ministers and chiefs of staff from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. It was decided to establish a General Secretariat for the alliance in Saudi Arabia, with the first Secretary-General hailing from Pakistan.
On the issue of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that it is monitoring the dismantling process to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and the concept of “one state, one army.” The Ministry refuted claims about foreign fighters leaving Syria for Turkey, urging the public to rely solely on official statements for accurate information.