Ankara, Turkey – Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has reaffirmed that the Turkish Cypriot community remains under Ankara’s protection, amid reports that the Greek Cypriot Administration is procuring an air defense system from Israel.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk warned that ongoing armament efforts by the Greek Cypriot Administration and activities that could destabilize peace on the island may have dangerous consequences. He emphasized, “Any attempt to disrupt the balance on the island is being closely monitored. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure the security and tranquility of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkey, as always, stands by the TRNC, and the Turkish Cypriot community is under Turkey’s assurance.”
On the topic of the S-400 air defense systems, Aktürk stated, “Our S-400 systems remain in our inventory, and our stance on this issue has not changed,” responding to reports that Russia had requested their return.
Turkish Forces in Syria
Regarding Turkish military presence in Syria, Aktürk said that Turkish forces operate under the right of self-defense as defined by international law, ensuring border security, combating terrorism, and preventing the creation of terrorist corridors. Withdrawal of these forces would only be considered once border security is fully guaranteed and the terrorist threat is completely neutralized.
Counterterrorism Efforts
Aktürk highlighted ongoing counterterrorism operations, noting that over the past week, one PKK terrorist surrendered, and numerous weapons, explosives, and other materials were neutralized during field operations, including in caves, shelters, and mined areas. In Syria, tunnel destruction in Tel Rıfat (240 km) and Manbij (365 km) reached a combined total of 605 kilometers.
Over the past week, 540 individuals were apprehended, including eight affiliated with terrorist organizations. Since January 1, a total of 6,677 people attempting illegal border crossings have been caught, while 50,308 people have been prevented from crossing in 2025 so far. In Van and Hakkâri, authorities seized 22 kilograms of narcotics during border operations.
Comments on Gaza
The MSB condemned Israel’s ongoing ground operations in Gaza, which began on September 16, as deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis. Aktürk stressed that Israel’s attacks targeting civilians and provocative actions toward regional countries threaten stability in the Middle East. He called on the international community to take effective and deterrent measures against Israel and work to restore peace and stability in the region.
Turkey-Egypt Naval Exercise
Aktürk also announced a planned Turkey-Egypt bilateral naval exercise, the “Bahr El Sadaka” (Friendship Sea) Special Naval Operation Exercise, in the Eastern Mediterranean from September 22-26 to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the two countries. The exercise will include Turkish naval units—frigates TCG Oruçreis and TCG Gediz, missile boats TCG İmbat and TCG Bora, and the submarine TCG Gür—alongside Turkish Air Force F-16s, as well as Egyptian naval units. The exercise marks the first such collaboration in 13 years, with the Senior Observer Day on September 25 to be attended by the commanders of both navies.
