Ankara: There has been no rise in illegal border crossings following the Israel-Iran clashes, the Turkish National Defence 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 TRTworld.com, in the past week alone, five PKK terrorists fleeing hideouts in northern Iraq and Syria have surrendered, Akturk told reporters at a briefing in the capital, Ankara. In recent years, Trkiye has been successful in defeating the terrorist PKK both at home and abroad, with an increasing number of PKK members abandoning the terror group and surrendering to Turkish forces. Such defectors could benefit from Trkiye's penal law. In its nearly 40-year terror campaign against Trkiye, the PKK—listed as a terrorist organisation by Trkiye, the US, and the EU—has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
Akturk also addressed the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, stating, "As talks intensify regarding Iran's nuclear programme, Israel has launched an unlawful attack against our neighbour Iran, once again jeopardising regional stability and peace." Condemning Israel's attacks targeting Iran, he noted that Israel's disregard for international law in its recent attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, and now Iran clearly reveals its intent to escalate conflicts. He emphasized that Israel's aggressive stance is driving the region into chaos and must immediately end its attacks, causing serious instability in the neighbouring area.
Israeli jets reportedly violating Turkish airspace during the initial airstrikes on Iran were debunked by ministry sources, who stressed that all air movements were closely monitored. Alert aircraft were dispatched to patrol Turkish airspace, ensuring no violations occurred. The sources reiterated that measures to protect Turkish airspace and borders have been intensified since Israel's airstrikes began.
The Turkish Armed Forces continue efforts to maintain Trkiye's air and missile defence as a multi-layered system. Domestic radar and air defence systems are being strengthened, and air defence units and weapon systems remain at the highest level of readiness. The Turkish Armed Forces are on duty 24/7 with top-level technology and personnel to secure Trkiye's borders, ensuring no uncontrolled migration occurs. Claims of mass migration to the country are deemed disinformation, with no official confirmation or data supporting such claims.
Trkiye's capacity to ensure border security and respond to potential humanitarian crises is maintained at the highest level in coordination with relevant state institutions. The ministry sources emphasised that Trkiye acts in a controlled and orderly manner, supporting regional stability and fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities.