Türkiye monitors Black Sea risks, evacuates troops from NATO Iraq mission

Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry announced Thursday that it is maintaining constant vigilance over the Black Sea following the discovery of a US-origin unmanned maritime vehicle near the coast of Ordu. Speaking at a weekly briefing, ministry spokesman Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk stated that the vessel, which drifted ashore due to engine failure on March 21, was safely neutralized by Underwater Defense Command teams. “Risks in the Black Sea caused by unmanned naval and aerial vehicles losing control or mobility—widely used in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war—are being closely monitored,” Akturk said, urging citizens, particularly fishermen and seafarers, to report any suspicious objects to authorities.

NATO mission withdrawal completed

Regarding NATO’s decision to withdraw its mission from Iraq amid recent regional developments, Akturk confirmed that the evacuation of Turkish Armed Forces personnel has been “successfully” completed. He noted that Türkiye also supported the evacuation of allied nations’ personnel as part of the alliance’s withdrawal plan. The ministry reiterated that Turkish forces continue to contribute to peace and stability across a wide geography.

Regional conflicts and Israel’s aggression

Akturk addressed the escalating violence across the Middle East, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, along with Israel’s continued aggression, poses a persistent threat to regional stability. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomacy grounded in international law. “Israel’s attacks targeting infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanon are causing severe consequences for civilians and constitute violations of international humanitarian law,” he said, warning that ground operations south of the Litani River suggest a potential occupation policy toward Lebanon. He also condemned Israeli activities in southern Syria and escalating settler violence in the West Bank, stressing that lasting peace requires a two-state solution and the protection of Palestinian rights.

UK-Türkiye defense partnership advances

The ministry provided updates on the Eurofighter Typhoon agreement, noting that defense ministries of Türkiye and the UK signed an additional agreement on Wednesday covering equipment, ammunition, and comprehensive support. The package includes training for pilots, maintenance technicians, electronic warfare operators, spare parts, simulators, test equipment, and ground support systems. The manufacturer will also provide technical support for the first three years after the aircraft enter service.

Qatar helicopter crash investigation

Regarding the helicopter crash in Qatar on March 22, the ministry stated that the exact cause will be determined by Qatari authorities. Turkish personnel continue testing and development activities for domestically produced defense products, with safety measures in coordination with Qatari authorities remaining at the highest level.

Planned NATO headquarters in Türkiye

Addressing plans for a NATO headquarters in Türkiye, the ministry clarified that the 6th Corps Command has been assigned to meet the requirements of a Corps Headquarters under NATO’s Southeastern Regional Plan, a directive issued in 2023. Efforts to transform the headquarters into a multinational structure are ongoing in coordination with NATO authorities. The ministry emphasized that the planned headquarters is not related to recent regional developments, as NATO’s Southeastern Regional Plan was already approved by allies.