Ankara: The Turkish National Defense Ministry on Thursday rejected claims that "SDF-affiliated foreign elements" would leave Syria and that some of them would enter Trkiye. The ministry responded to questions from reporters following its weekly press briefing at the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the dissolution process of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aiming to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and strengthen the principle of "one state, one army." The ministry emphasized that claims regarding the movement of SDF-affiliated foreign elements do not reflect the truth. It urged that reports and comments on the matter, other than official statements, should not be given credence.
In another development, the ministry addressed the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the UK to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force Command. It announced that pilot training commenced in August, with flight training scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026. Following this, pilots will undergo three months of instructor pilot training. Training will continue in batches to ensure operational readiness.
The ministry also shed light on the Mecca Defense Alliance, detailing that Trkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia's defense and foreign ministers and chiefs of general staff met in Istanbul on August 31, 2026. They discussed establishing a more institutional structure for cooperation, with a secretariat to be based in Saudi Arabia. The post of secretary-general will rotate among the three countries, with the inaugural term held by a representative from Pakistan.
The alliance aims to enhance interoperability through joint planning, training, and exercises in the military field, while strengthening joint production, technology development, and the sharing of expertise in the defense industry. These mechanisms are expected to bolster the alliance's defense capacity and deterrence, contributing to regional peace and stability.