Ankara – August 28, 2025 — The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced on Thursday that Turkey will support any measures taken by the Syrian government to preserve its territorial unity and integrity, underscoring Ankara’s stance on regional stability and cooperation with Damascus.
Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing, MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk highlighted Turkey’s commitment to safeguarding its national security, strengthening the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), and contributing to regional peace efforts.
“Turkey believes Syria will achieve stability through a central government that safeguards its territorial integrity and approaches all ethnic and sectarian groups with equal distance. In this context, Turkey will support any measures the Syrian government takes to preserve its unity and cohesion,” ministry sources said following the briefing.
The statement comes in the wake of the “Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding” signed on August 13, 2025 between Ankara and Damascus, which aims to enhance the capacity of the Syrian Armed Forces. Turkey has committed to providing training and advisory support, including the establishment of new training centers in line with Syrian requests.
30 August Victory Day and Military Ceremonies
Rear Admiral Aktürk opened his remarks by celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the Great Victory, marking 30 August Victory Day and Turkish Armed Forces Day.
Commemorative events will include a military parade in Ankara, public naval visits by 24 Turkish warships across 24 ports, a SOLOTÜRK aerial performance over Anıtkabir, and a Turkish Stars demonstration flight in Kütahya. Combat aircraft flyovers will also take place in Eskişehir, Manisa, Konya, Kocaeli, Kahramanmaraş, and Mersin. Military museums will be open free of charge to the public.
The Ministry further confirmed that the 2025 Military Academy Graduation Ceremony will be held jointly at the Turkish Military Academy in Ankara on August 31, instead of separate ceremonies at each service academy. The decision was made due to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s international travel schedule.
In total, 1,405 cadets from the Army, Naval, and Air Force academies will graduate, alongside cadets from 16 allied nations. Each graduate will be allowed four family guests, with extended seating capacity increased from 4,000 to 6,000 at the Military Academy grounds.
Counterterrorism and Border Security Operations
Highlighting the TSK’s operations, Aktürk reported that:
- 2 PKK terrorists surrendered last week.
- Caves, shelters, and depots containing weapons, ammunition, and equipment were neutralized in Operation Claw-Lock zones.
- In Manbij, an 8-kilometer-long tunnel was destroyed, bringing the total length of tunnels neutralized in Syria to 556 kilometers.
- Between August 18–25, 395 individuals attempting to cross Turkey’s borders illegally were apprehended, including five terrorist suspects, while 976 others were prevented from crossing. Since January 1, more than 5,500 people have been caught attempting illegal entry, while nearly 48,000 were stopped at the border.
- Border patrols also seized 166 kilograms of narcotics in Van and Iğdır.
Regional Security and International Engagements
Aktürk reiterated Turkey’s commitment to regional peace and international cooperation.
- In Libya, the TCG Kınalıada corvette visited Benghazi on August 20–21, where Turkish officials held talks with General Saddam Haftar of the Libyan National Army. Discussions focused on the “One Libya, One Army” initiative, and joint naval exercises were conducted with Libyan patrol vessels.
- Regarding Israel’s operations in Gaza, Aktürk strongly condemned Israeli attacks on civilians, hospitals, and journalists: “The massacres in Gaza, coupled with deliberate targeting of independent journalists, aim to conceal the humanitarian catastrophe. Israel’s disregard for international law and accountability only emboldens its aggression. Permanent ceasefire, open humanitarian corridors, and accountability for war crimes are obligations of the international community,” he stressed.
- Aktürk added that Israel’s strikes in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen also undermine regional peace and security.
Defense Industry Developments
The Ministry reported continued deliveries of domestically produced defense systems, including:
- Weapon systems for the Altay main battle tank
- Howitzer equipment for the Fırtına artillery system
- Gökdeniz close-in weapon systems, along with various other weapons and ammunition
Recruitment efforts also continue, with applications for contracted IT personnel at the ministry closing on September 3.
Other Updates
- Naval forces are engaged in delicate recovery operations following the discovery of businessman Halit Yukay’s body at a depth of 68 meters in the Sea of Marmara. The TCG Işın rescue vessel is leading the operation.
- Defense Minister Yaşar Güler will attend multiple ceremonies between August 29–31, including Teknofest Mavi Vatan in Istanbul, the Rank Promotion Ceremony, and Victory Day events at Anıtkabir and the Presidential Complex.
Conclusion
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense underlined that the TSK, strengthened by indigenous defense technologies, remains committed to protecting Turkey’s independence, territorial integrity, and national unity, while contributing to regional stability and global peace efforts.
