Ankara: Trkiye announced that the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) stance on decentralization and federalism poses a threat to Syria's territorial integrity and stability. The Turkish National Defense Ministry emphasized that the SDF has not progressed in integrating with Syria's central authority, a move Ankara deems essential for the nation's unity. The ministry highlighted its collaboration with Damascus, advocating for the principle of 'one state, one army', and expressed support for any Syrian government initiative towards national unity.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry's spokesperson, Zeki Akturk, provided updates on counterterrorism efforts, noting that three PKK members surrendered last week, adding to a yearly total of 111. Akturk reported ongoing search-and-clear operations, including the destruction of four kilometers of tunnels in Manbij. The ministry stated that weapons and equipment from PKK sites, particularly in Operation Claw-Lock areas, were rendered unusable, with the total length of tunnels destroyed in Syrian operations reaching 741 kilometers.
Akturk also addressed border security, revealing that 136 individuals were caught attempting illegal border crossings into Trkiye last week, with 1,186 others prevented. He shared that in 2025, 9,942 people were caught attempting illegal crossings, while 66,794 were stopped. Additionally, border units seized 101 kilograms of narcotics along the Hakkari and Van borders, bringing the yearly total to 1,982 kilograms.
The ministry reiterated Trkiye's commitment to regional and global peace initiatives, including the trilateral Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group Committee Meeting with Romania and Bulgaria. The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 at the Besiktas Naval Museum Command, followed by mine detection operations in the Black Sea and port visits by Bulgarian and Romanian vessels.
Akturk criticized Israel's actions over the past two years, citing the international community's failure to address what he described as brutal massacres and inhumane practices against Palestinians. He expressed hope for peace in Palestine and regional stability in the coming year.
The spokesperson highlighted the TSK's ongoing training and exercises, with 157 exercises conducted successfully this year. Upcoming initiatives include the Trkiye-Saudi Arabia Naval Forces Cooperation Meeting and a ceremonial F-16 flyover to commemorate the Sarikamis Operation's 111th anniversary.
Akturk outlined the TSK's defense industry advancements, including the induction of modernized M60T tanks and other defense systems. He mentioned future projects focusing on air defense systems, unmanned platforms, and major naval projects, alongside efforts to enhance AI-supported command-and-control and cyber defense capabilities.
On the F-35 procurement, the ministry is hopeful for progress if US CAATSA sanctions are lifted. Akturk affirmed the TSK's determination to fulfill its duties in line with the Century of Trkiye vision, aiming for peace and prosperity in the coming year.