Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Counselor and Ministry Spokesperson, held a press conference regarding activities carried out over the past week. Holding the meeting in front of the monument to Martyr Infantry Chief Master Sergeant Ömer Halisdemir, who was martyred at the Special Forces Command in Ankara during the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that four more PKK terrorists who escaped from their hiding places in northern Iraq within the scope of the Turkish Armed Forces' activities aimed at establishing permanent security had surrendered in the past week. He said, “Our land search and scanning operations, detection and destruction of caves, shelters, shelters, mines, and improvised explosive devices are continuing in operation areas, particularly in Claw-Lock. Numerous weapons, ammunition, and various materials belonging to the terrorists seized in this context have been rendered unusable.”

'Dismissal and demotion procedures were initiated against 26,205 personnel'
Rear Admiral Aktürk also addressed the fight against FETÖ, stating,"Our Ministry's fight against the FETÖ armed terrorist organization continues uncompromisingly, with the same sensitivity and determination as on the first day, in light of the information and documents obtained. Indeed, since the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, 23,969 personnel have been dismissed from the Armed Forces, and 2,236 retired personnel have had their ranks reinstated. As of today, a total of 26,205 personnel have been dismissed and their ranks reinstated."

'772 PEOPLE WERE DENIED BEFORE CROSSING THE BORDER'
Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that the means and capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces are constantly being improved and that 448 people, 11 of whom were members of a terrorist organization, were apprehended attempting to cross illegally at the borders, which are guarded 24/7 with technology-intensive systems, throughout the week. He said, “772 people were prevented from crossing the border. Thus, since January 1st, the number of people apprehended trying to cross our borders illegally has reached 3,752, and the number of people prevented before crossing has reached 42,692. Within the scope of the ongoing ‘tunnel destruction’ activities in the Syrian Operation Areas, with the 23-kilometer-long tunnel destroyed in the Manbij region in the last week, the total length of the destroyed tunnels, including Tel Rifaat and Manbij, has reached 481 kilometers.”

'ISRAEL MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP ITS AGGRESSIONARY ACTIONS'
Regarding Israel's attacks on Syria, Rear Admiral Aktürk said,"The airstrikes Israel has now launched on central Damascus, following its attacks on southern Syria, are a clear provocation targeting hopes for peace and stability in the region. Syria, which has reached a significant threshold on its path to living in peace and reintegrating with the international community after a long period of suffering, must not be squandered, and efforts to establish lasting peace and security must be supported. Israel's attacks, which clearly violate international law, are a dangerous approach that disregards regional peace and security and reveals its intention to spread conflicts. Israel, which has dragged the entire region into instability and chaos with its reckless and borderless attitude, must immediately end its aggressive actions that could have irreversible consequences in our near region. Meanwhile, the humanitarian disaster, the starvation of civilians, and mass killings continue in Gaza. In this context, a just and lasting peace process must be initiated and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza must be ensured. As Türkiye,"We reiterate our continued support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and geographically unified State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said.

'MORE THAN 1400 COMPANIES ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN IDEF'
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk also noted that the capabilities and capabilities of the Armed Forces, equipped with high-technology products from the domestic and national defense industry, are increasing daily. He stated,"We believe that the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF 2025, to be held in Istanbul from July 22-27, will bring together official delegations from friendly and allied countries and leading companies in the defense industry, making a significant contribution to increasing international cooperation opportunities by showcasing high-technology military products and monitoring developments. More than 200 delegations, 99 of which are high-level, from numerous countries and international organizations, approximately 900 delegation members, and more than 1,400 companies are expected to participate in IDEF 2025."

'THERE IS NO NEGATIVE SITUATION AMONG OUR PERSONNEL IN SYRIA'
After Aktürk's presentation, ministry sources answered journalists' questions. Regarding the latest developments in Syria and Israel’s attacks on Syria, Ministry sources said, “Our Turkish Armed Forces continue their determined fight against terrorist elements in northern Syria in order to ensure the security of our country and to prevent the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. Our stance on Syria is clear. A safe, stable and strong Syria that has ensured its territorial integrity and political unity is our goal. The integration process between the Syrian New Government and the terrorist organization SDF and the recent clashes are being followed carefully and sensitively. Our country supports all constructive processes aimed at establishing lasting stability and security in the region based on Syria’s territorial integrity. Israel’s airstrikes on Syria endanger the steps taken towards peace and stability in the region. They are a provocation against Syria’s unity and integrity. Israel must now put an end to its attacks that violate international law and drag the region into chaos. We have previously stated that we will provide all the support we can to strengthen Syria’s defense capacity and support its fight against terrorism upon request."There is no negative situation in our unit and personnel," he said.