Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense (MSB) held its weekly press conference in Ankara, offering extensive updates on military operations, regional developments, and the upcoming Harp Schools graduation ceremony. The session, led by Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, provided insight into Türkiye’s ongoing fight against terrorism, border security measures, and humanitarian concerns in Gaza, as well as clarifications regarding speculation about the August 31 graduation ceremony at the Turkish Military Academy.
Graduation ceremony to be held as a joint event
One of the most discussed issues was the 2025 Harp Schools graduation. Traditionally organized separately for the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, this year the event will be consolidated into a single ceremony at the Turkish Military Academy in Ankara. According to ministry sources, the adjustment was made due to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s international travel schedule on August 31.
Officials emphasized that contrary to rumors circulating in the media and online platforms, students have been actively participating in daily rehearsals since August 18. Final rehearsals will continue through August 29, with no plans to dismiss students early.
The ministry also clarified that students are allowed daily evening leave between 19.00 and 23.30 should they wish to leave campus, while others may remain in the academy to rest. Allegations that families would be restricted in attendance were also dismissed. The academy’s capacity has been expanded from 4,000 to 6,000, ensuring each graduating officer can invite four family members. Following the ceremony, graduates will be able to meet with families, take photos, and enjoy reception areas. Claims that family members’ phones would be confiscated were described as baseless.
Counter-terrorism and security operations continue
Rear Admiral Aktürk outlined the Turkish Armed Forces’ ongoing counter-terrorism activities. In the past week, two PKK militants surrendered after fleeing from their hideouts. Operations, particularly within the Pençe-Kilit region, led to the destruction of multiple caves, shelters, and storage areas belonging to terrorist groups. A significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and equipment was neutralized.
In Syria, Türkiye’s forces continued tunnel neutralization efforts. Over the past week alone, an eight-kilometer-long tunnel was destroyed in the Manbij area, bringing the total length of tunnels neutralized since operations began to 556 kilometers. These measures aim to weaken terrorist infrastructure and prevent cross-border threats.
Strengthening border security
The ministry also shared the latest data on Türkiye’s border security measures. Over the past week, 395 individuals attempting to cross illegally were apprehended, including five identified as terrorist affiliates. An additional 976 individuals were stopped before crossing. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 5,508 individuals have been caught attempting to cross illegally, while 47,857 were prevented at the border.
In parallel, counter-narcotics sweeps near Van and Iğdır resulted in the seizure of 166 kilograms of narcotics. The ministry reiterated that the Turkish Armed Forces remain committed to ensuring security along the country’s extensive borders.
Concerns about Gaza and Israeli actions
The briefing also touched on international developments, particularly Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Aktürk strongly condemned the targeting of civilians, journalists, and even hospital facilities. He stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unbearable levels, with the Palestinian people facing severe shortages of food and aid.
He added that the deliberate targeting of independent journalists aims to suppress global awareness of the humanitarian catastrophe. The ministry stressed that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes and violations of international law, and called for accountability.
Türkiye, according to Aktürk, believes that securing a lasting ceasefire, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian corridors, and holding perpetrators accountable are essential obligations for the international community. The briefing also criticized Israel’s attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, warning that such operations destabilize the region further.
Türkiye’s cooperation with Syria
Responding to questions from journalists, ministry sources commented on Türkiye’s cooperation with Syria. They reaffirmed that Türkiye supports a strong, centralized Syrian state that maintains territorial integrity and prevents separatist elements from gaining ground.
They emphasized that stability in Syria is directly linked to Türkiye’s own security. On August 13, 2025, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Training and Advisory Cooperation. Under this agreement, Türkiye is providing training and advisory support to enhance the capacity of the Syrian Armed Forces. Plans are underway to establish new training centers based on Syrian requests, with Türkiye committed to offering full support.
The sources made it clear that Türkiye will back any measures the Syrian government takes to safeguard national unity and stability, provided they align with protecting sovereignty and rejecting separatist agendas.
Response to speculations surrounding the ceremony
Ministry officials firmly addressed rumors regarding the graduation ceremony. Suggestions that students would be restricted, families excluded, or telephones confiscated were rejected as deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining the credibility of the Turkish Armed Forces.
They stressed that all measures taken are designed to ensure smooth organization and security during a large-scale event that will host over 6,000 attendees. Officials added that family interactions with graduates have been planned in detail, including designated areas for photographs and hospitality arrangements.
Ongoing naval operations in Marmara
The ministry also provided updates on search and recovery efforts in the Marmara Sea. The Turkish Navy’s TCG IŞIN rescue vessel has begun sensitive operations to recover the body of businessman Halit Yukay, located at a depth of 68 meters. Officials described the procedure as delicate, requiring precision to ensure the recovery is carried out respectfully and effectively.
Editor’s note The Ministry of National Defense briefing reflects the multifaceted responsibilities of Türkiye’s armed forces, ranging from counter-terrorism and border security to regional diplomacy and ceremonial duties. The clarity provided about the Harp Schools graduation highlights the importance of transparency in countering misinformation, while updates on Gaza and Syria underline Türkiye’s broader regional role.
