Ankara: There has been no rise in illegal border crossings following the Israel-Iran clashes, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Thursday. The Turkish Armed Forces will continue to take all necessary security measures proactively against possible migration movements, ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk stated.
According to Anadolu Agency, Akturk reported that in the past week alone, five PKK terrorists fleeing hideouts in northern Iraq and Syria have surrendered. He further mentioned that a large number of weapons, ammunition, and materials were seized in terrorist caves, shelters, and hideouts during Operation Claw-Lock and other operational areas, rendering them unusable.
Akturk emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces remain committed to their operations, search and sweep, and border security activities to ensure the country's peace, security, and stability. PKK terrorists frequently hide out in northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, to plan attacks on Trkiye's soil.
In recent years, Trkiye has been successful in defeating the PKK both domestically and internationally, with an increasing number of PKK members abandoning the group and surrendering to Turkish forces. Such defectors could benefit from Trkiye's penal law. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths in its nearly 40-year campaign against Trkiye.
Akturk also condemned Israel's attacks targeting Iran, noting that Israel's actions jeopardize regional stability and peace. He stated that Israel's aggressive stance is driving the region into chaos and must end immediately. Reports of Israeli jets violating Turkish airspace during airstrikes on Iran were deemed inaccurate, as all air movements were closely monitored.
The Turkish Armed Forces, described as one of the world's most modern and powerful armies, remain determined to defend the country. Efforts to maintain Trkiye's air and missile defense system continue, with ongoing enhancements to command and control capabilities.
Regarding Trkiye's border security, ministry sources stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces are on duty 24/7 with top-level technology and personnel. There is no uncontrolled migration movement, and claims of such are disinformation, with no data or official confirmation of mass migration to the country. Trkiye's capacity to ensure border security and respond to potential humanitarian crises is maintained at the highest level.