Ankara: Trkiyes Ministry of National Defence has criticised Israel over its military offensives in the region, accusing it of violating the territorial integrity of Syria and Lebanon and undermining regional and global stability. Speaking at the ministry's weekly press briefing at the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Centre, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk said Israel was continuing to encourage what he described as illegal settler terrorism in Palestine and carrying out provocative actions that violate the historical and legal status of Muslim holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.
According to TRTworld.com, Akturk stated that Israel's policies were damaging not only regional peace and security but also global stability, while further weakening confidence in international law among populations across the region. Trkiye would continue its efforts to promote peace and stability, Akturk said, while calling on the international community to take concrete and effective measures against what he described as Israel's expansionist and genocidal approach.
The ministry also rejected reports regarding foreign members of the YPG-led SDF leaving Syria and some potentially traveling to Trkiye. In a statement issued following the briefing, the ministry said it was closely monitoring developments related to the process aimed at preserving Syria's territorial integrity and strengthening the principle of one state, one army. The ministry urged the media and public to disregard reports and commentary on the issue that fall outside the ministry's official statements.
In other developments, Trkiye and Syria have completed a second floating bridge over the Euphrates River. Akturk highlighted this project as a tangible demonstration of cooperation and solidarity between the armed forces of Trkiye and Syria. The bridge, completed on 30 August, replaces a crossing that was previously destroyed by flooding and is expected to facilitate transport between the two banks of the Euphrates.
Regarding military advancements, Akturk noted that procurement activities for Eurofighter Typhoon jets were continuing with the United Kingdom to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force. Turkish pilots had begun training in August as part of the procurement programme. Pilots who have completed their terminology training are scheduled to begin flight training on 7 September 2026, with the programme including eight months of flight training followed by three months of instructor pilot training.
The ministry also reported on the successful rescue operation of a vessel seized by pirates in Somali territorial waters. Trkiye provided necessary support to Somali authorities in coordination with the Turkish Foreign Ministry and within the framework of agreements between the two countries. Following an operation conducted by Somali authorities, the pirates left the vessel and the ship was successfully recovered.
Additionally, the ministry outlined the structure of the Mecca Defence Alliance involving Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Defence and foreign ministers, together with chiefs of general staff from the three countries, met in Istanbul on 31 August to discuss steps towards giving cooperation under the alliance a more institutional structure. The alliance is expected to focus on joint military planning, training, and exercises, as well as improving interoperability among the three armed forces, with a secretariat established in Saudi Arabia headed by a secretary-general.