Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry on Thursday welcomed the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group and its integration into Syrian state institutions.
The ministry said the move is an important development for preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening the principle of "one state, one army."
The remarks came in response to a question about the dissolution and integration during a weekly press briefing in Türkiye's Afyonkarahisar province.
"Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue their support, within the framework of the existing military cooperation agreement, to help extend the positive momentum achieved in Syria across the country, ensure lasting stability and strengthen the capabilities of the Syrian army, particularly in the fight against terrorism," the ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said.
Addressing developments in the Middle East, Akturk said Israel's attacks and expansionist policies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria remain the biggest obstacle to lasting peace and stability in the region and that they must end as soon as possible.
He said the region's future should be built on respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity rather than unilateral use of force, and reiterated the need for the international community to take concrete and effective measures against actions threatening regional and global peace and stability.
The ministry noted that it has been following US efforts to establish a de-escalation mechanism that would include Syria.
It also said it had not received any official request on the matter, adding that any such request would be assessed in coordination with relevant authorities if received.
Regional security, international cooperation
Akturk said that the Turkish Armed Forces continue contributing to regional and global security, peace, and stability through cooperation with friendly and allied countries, training and advisory activities, and participation in multinational missions.
He said two Turkish F-16 fighter jets deployed in Estonia under NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission flew to Latvia on Aug. 21 as part of the alliance's collective defense and deterrence efforts before returning to Estonia the same day.
He also said Türkiye will host the headquarters of the Southeastern Europe Brigade for a second time during the 2026-2032 period, describing it as a reflection of the country's commitment to regional peace, stability, and multinational military cooperation.
The headquarters activation, command handover, and the 27th anniversary ceremonies are being held in Istanbul under the hosting of Türkiye's 3rd Corps Command.
International exercises and defense cooperation
Akturk further said the Turkish Armed Forces will participate in the REPMUS Unmanned Maritime Systems Experimentation Exercise in Portugal from Aug. 31 to Sept. 25.
He added that training for 283 Niger Armed Forces personnel began in Niger on Aug. 26 as part of Türkiye's military training support.
As part of Operation Safe Mediterranean, the spokesperson said the Italian Navy ship Carabiniere will visit Mersin on Aug. 28-31, while the Brazilian Navy ship Brasil will pay a port visit to Istanbul on Aug. 31-Sept. 4.
He also said Turkish naval vessels TCG Kemalreis and TCG Yzb. Gungor Durmus will visit Djibouti on Sept. 3-4 in support of the Somali Naval Task Group and logistics transport missions to Somalia.
Akturk said Türkiye will participate in a NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense activity in Romanian airspace with two F-16 fighter jets, one airborne early warning and control aircraft, and one tanker aircraft.
He also noted that the Turkish Stars aerobatic team will perform at the Bucharest International Air Show on Aug. 28-29.
'Terror-Free Türkiye' process
Regarding the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, the ministry said the Follow-up and Evaluation Board, which includes Defense Minister Yasar Guler, held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
The meeting addressed procedures and principles for carrying out the process, and it was decided to establish four subcommittees, according to the ministry.
“Work to establish the subcommittees is continuing in coordination with relevant institutions,” it said.
The ministry stressed the importance of ensuring that the process progresses in a healthy and stable manner, adding that it would continue working with relevant institutions to determine and verify that terrorist organizations and affiliated structures have ended their presence on the ground and surrendered all weapons and ammunition in their possession.
Patriot system on Karpathos
Asked about the Patriot air defense system stationed on the Greek island of Karpathos, the ministry recalled that the legal status of demilitarized islands is explicitly regulated by the 1923 Lausanne and 1947 Paris Peace treaties.
It said Greece’s arming of the islands in violation of the treaties is unlawful and should be halted.
“In this context, we consider the decision to relocate the Patriot Air Defense Systems from Karpathos to Crete a positive step toward reversing the current wrong practice.
The ministry said Türkiye would continue to support constructive steps that promote regional peace and stability and uphold international law and treaty obligations.
Claims of drone base on Rhodes
Regarding reports that a drone base could be established on the Greek island of Rhodes, the ministry said the island’s demilitarized status is clearly and bindingly regulated by international treaties.
It warned that any move violating that status would be incompatible with Greece’s obligations under international law and would harm peace and stability in the Aegean, as well as good-neighborly relations.
“Türkiye will continue to resolutely protect its rights and interests arising from international treaties and take the necessary measures in this regard,” it said.
Hijacked ship off Somalia
The ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces Somalia Task Force continues to support efforts to strengthen Somalia’s capacity to combat terrorism and piracy under agreements signed between the two countries.
Regarding the incident involving a vessel in Somali territorial waters, it said necessary support was being provided to Somali authorities in coordination with Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.
