Turkey's defence chief calls anti-terror drive its top strategic priority
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said Turkey’s push to eradicate terrorism is a strategic cornerstone for national and regional security, linking it to economic growth and public welfare.
At an event in the capital, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler framed the elimination of terrorism as Turkey’s most strategic undertaking for both domestic stability and regional security. He linked a terror-free environment to boosted economic development and improved public welfare. The initiative, launched in late 2024, mandates that PKK members first hand over arms to Iraqi authorities, after which Turkey will activate a legal mechanism to pause prosecutions for qualifying individuals.
Güler emphasized that the process is being handled carefully, with no concessions offered. He also highlighted Turkey’s close watch on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces, a PKK-linked group, into Syria’s national army under a pact with Damascus. The minister concluded that eradicating terrorism inside and beyond Turkey will create broader space for trust, stability, development and cooperation.
Why it matters
Turkey’s anti-terror strategy could reshape security dynamics and economic prospects across the region.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey launch Mecca Defence Alliance, secretariat set in Riyadh
- Sep 3 Greece delivered a diplomatic note to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, instructed by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, contesting Turkish objections to Greek spatial planning frameworks and the creation of two national maritime parks. Athens maintains that international treaties define Aegean sovereignty and that Turkey’s own maritime park declarations overstep its jurisdiction. Both sides exchanged notes reiterating their positions, while Greece pledged to raise any unilateral Turkish actions with European partners. Despite tensions, intelligence chiefs met to keep security cooperation alive, and leaders plan to attend the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 6 Turkey reiterated its long‑standing claims over continental shelves.
- Sep 13 Pakistan reiterated that no immediate military response under the Makkah pact is being discussed.
- Sep 13 The Greek prime minister publicly called for dialogue with Turkey while maintaining a formal protest over Turkey’s maritime park claims.
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