May 2016 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Turkish government brands Gulen movement 'terrorist' Press TV 31 May 2016 -- The Turkish government has officially designated as a "terrorist" group a movement led by Fethullah Gulen, a US-based opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan Notes Positive Dynamic in Restoration of Turkey-Israel Relations Sputnik 31 May 2016 -- The process of restoration of Turkish-Israeli relations is going in a positive way, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday.
Airstrikes kill 'terrorists' in Idlib; Turkey cries foul Press TV 31 May 2016 -- Dozens of Takfiri militants have been killed and scores of others injured in airstrikes overnight in the Syrian city of Idlib, media reports say.
Army, PKK clashes leave three soldiers dead in southeast Turkey Press TV 30 May 2016 -- A series of fresh clashes between Turkish army and militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have claimed the lives of at least three soldiers in the country's restive southeast over the past 24 hours.
Turkey: Russia ties to be mended shortly Press TV 30 May 2016 -- A senior Turkish official says his country and Russia do not have any insurmountable issues, and that sour relations between the two sides would be mended in a "short while."
Turkey Makes No Particular Steps to Restore Relations With Russia Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- Turkey makes a lot of proposals to restore relations with Russia though does not take concrete steps to drive the issue from the deadlock, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Monday.
Turkey proposes special operation with US in Syria Press TV 30 May 2016 -- Turkey has proposed to join the United States in a special operation in Syria only if Kurdish fighters are excluded from the offensive.
'Turkish Military Enters Syrian Village' Amid Concerns of Invasion Sputnik 30 May 2016 -- Member of the Democratic Majlis of Syria and of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PDS), Ahmet Arac, spoke to Sputnik about how the Turkish Army is preparing to invade Syria.
Turkey's Erdogan slams Washington over US soldiers' use of YPG emblem ISNA 29 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the United States over American troops wearing insignia of Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG) during an operation in Syria.
Provocation? Turkish Military Advances 700 Meters Into Syria Sputnik 28 May 2016 -- The division of the Turkish army has made advances by 700 meters into Syria, in the city of Afrin located in northern Aleppo province according to al-Mayedin channel.
Erdogan Condemns US Forces For Wearing Syrian Kurdish Insignia VOA 28 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has escalated a row with Washington, over images of U.S. special forces wearing Syrian Kurdish militia patches. "The support the U.S. has given to the PYD and YPG. I condemn it," Erdogan bellowed to a crowd at an airport opening ceremony in Diyarbakir, the main city in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish south east.
Erdogan Slams US Forces for Wearing Patches of Syrian Kurdish Fighters Sputnik 28 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized on Saturday the fact that the patches of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) were noticed on the US servicemen, who support Syria's militias in their struggle against Daesh terrorist group.
Turkey sends arms disguised as aid to Syria terrorists: Syrian UN envoy Press TV 28 May 2016 -- Syria's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) has accused Turkey of delivering weapons to the terrorists in the Arab country in convoys made to look as if they are carrying humanitarian aid.
Turkey's Erdogan slams Washington over US soldiers' use of YPG emblem Press TV 28 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the United States over American troops wearing insignia of Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG) during an operation in Syria.
Ankara Says 92 PKK Fighters Killed in Series of Spring Operations Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- The Turkish General Staff claimed that during the operations conducted by the Turkish Air Force on April 15 and May 18-23 in the northern Iraqi district of Metina, 80 members of the PKK, including leaders were killed, while twelve militants were killed in the Turkey's district of Nusaybin.
Trucks Carrying Weapons For al-Nusra Front Arrive From Turkey Daily Sputnik 27 May 2016 -- Head of the Russian General Staff told journalists that trucks carrying weapons for the al-Nusra Front cross from Turkey into Syria daily. This allows the terrorist group to continue attacking local targets.
Turkey continues to arm Nusra terrorists in Syria: Russia Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says the Turkish government continues to supply al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front terrorists fighting in Syria with weapons in a bid to undermine the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed Takfiri militants.
Turkish FM slams US for 'two-faced' behavior Press TV 27 May 2016 -- Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed the United States Friday for its "two-faced" behavior, saying it is "unacceptable" that US soldiers are backing Kurdish fighters in Syria.
Turkey supplying Daesh with bomb components: Russia Press TV 25 May 2016 -- Russia has claimed Turkey is supplying Daesh Takfiri terrorists with the parts necessary to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Fears for EU-Turkey Refugee Deal as Erdogan Threatens to Block Agreement Sputnik 25 May 2016 -- There are more fears over the future of the Turkey-EU refugee deal after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to block laws relating to the agreement if Ankara was not granted visa-free travel for Turkish citizens to the EU.
New Visa Dispute Sours Turkey-EU Ties VOA 25 May 2016 -- Within a matter of hours of Turkey's new government being announced, a major dispute over visas erupted Wednesday between Ankara and the European Union, threatening one of the main foreign policy achievements of ousted prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Turkey's Erdogan Threatens to Scrap EU Migrant Deal VOA 24 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Tuesday that Ankara will scrap a landmark migrant readmission deal with the European Union unless the Europeans authorize visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.
Turkey threatens to suspend EU deals if visa-free travel not allowed ISNA 24 May 2016 -- Turkey has threatened to suspend all agreements with the European Union (EU) if Brussels fails to grant visa-free travel to Turkish citizens.
Presidential system in Turkey to end in despotism: Nationalists Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Nationalists in Turkey have criticized ongoing efforts in the government and parliament for establishing a presidential system in the country, saying the move could lead Turkey to despotism.
New Turkish PM unveils cabinet line-up Press TV 24 May 2016 -- Turkey's incoming Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has unveiled his new cabinet line-up, which has received the endorsement of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Saudi Tornado fighter jets join Turkey war games Press TV 24 May 2016 -- The Saudi Arabian air force has dispatched a number of its Tornado warplanes to multinational aerial war games underway in Turkey.
Turkey new PM to place more power in Erdogan's hands RFE/RL 22 May 2016 -- Turkey's newly-elected prime minister plans to place more power in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's hands by switching from the existing parliamentary system to an executive presidential system.
Erdogan Ally Set to Become New Turkish PM VOA 22 May 2016 -- In Turkey, a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been selected leader of the country's ruling party, becoming the presumptive prime minister. The move is seen as the latest step by the president to consolidate his grip on power and his bid to turn Turkey into an executive presidency.
Syrian forces seize Turkish aid supplies bound for Daesh Press TV 21 May 2016 -- Syrian forces have reportedly captured a truck transporting $100,000 worth of medical supplies from Turkey for Takfiri terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.
Invasion? Syrian Kurds Report Turkish Military Crossed Syrian Border Sputnik 21 May 2016 -- Turkish soldiers accompanied by two tanks entered the territory of Syria near the Turkish city of Nusaybin, the media center of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan reported, referring to the statements of eyewitnesses.
Turkey opposition to challenge bill on lifting MPs immunity Press TV 20 May 2016 -- Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition has criticized as undemocratic a decision by the parliament to lift immunity of lawmakers, vowing to challenge it at the country's top court.
Turkish Parliament Approves Amendment Stripping MPs' Immunity VOA 20 May 2016 -- Turkish lawmakers on Friday voted by the required two-thirds majority to pass a constitutional amendment that removes immunity for 138 deputies facing criminal investigation.
Turkey parliament adopts first clause of bill on MPs' immunity Press TV 20 May 2016 -- Turkey's parliament has approved a government-backed bill which would strip lawmakers of their immunity from prosecution in a move which critics say targets Kurds and dissidents.
Turkish Decision to Lift Parliamentary Immunity Sputnik 20 May 2016 -- Senior EU officials are concerned by Turkish parliament's decision to allow the lifting of parliamentary immunity of a large number of lawmakers, the EU foreign office said in a statement on Friday.
Turkey's Pro-Kurdish Party to Appeal Law Stripping Lawmakers of Immunity Sputnik 20 May 2016 -- The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party of Turkey is due to appeal a law stripping the country's lawmakers of immunity from prosecution, the party's co-chair said Friday.
Erdogan: Adoption of Bill to Strip Lawmakers of Immunity 'Historic' Sputnik 20 May 2016 -- By allowing the removal of lawmakers' immunity, the Turkish parliament has made a decision that has "historic" significance for the country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.
Turkey's ruling AKP nominates Yildirim as new premier Press TV 19 May 2016 -- Turkey's governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) has formally tapped Transport Minister Binali Yildirim as its sole candidate to be the party's new chairman and thereby automatically the next prime minister.
Helicopter may have been shot down: Turkish military Press TV 19 May 2016 -- The Turkish military says one of its helicopters that crashed last week may have been shot down with a ground-to-air projectile, probably even a missile.
Massive bomb explosion kills 4 Turkish soldiers in southeast Press TV 18 May 2016 -- A massive bomb explosion has ripped through a military vehicle in Turkey's Kurdish-dominated southeastern region, killing at least four soldiers and injuring nine others, security sources say.
Turkey says not to make EU-demanded changes to terror law Press TV 18 May 2016 -- Turkey says it will not heed calls by the European Union for changing its counter-terror law in return for privileges as part of a controversial deal aimed at curbing the refugee influx into Europe.
Turkish parliament approves bill to lift MPs immunity Press TV 18 May 2016 -- Turkey's parliament has approved a controversial government-backed bill which would strip lawmakers of their immunity from prosecution in a move which critics say targets Kurds and dissidents.
Ouster of Turkish PM Rekindles Dissent in Ruling AKP VOA 18 May 2016 -- Since the ousting of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, pro-president media outlets are appealing for unity and loyalty to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The calls come as his removal provokes uncharacteristic dissent within the party, being played out on social media.
At least 10 killed as Turkish jets bomb northern Iraq Press TV 18 May 2016 -- Turkish fighter jets have bombarded the southeastern areas of Turkey and the northern parts of neighboring Iraq, killing at least 10 people, Turkish security sources say.
We may solve Daesh issue ourselves, Turkish president says Press TV 17 May 2016 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Tuesday that Ankara may take unilateral action against the Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria if no help is provided by partners in a multi-national coalition against the militants.
Missile Attack on Helicopter Rocks Turkish Army VOA 17 May 2016 -- A video produced by the PKK Kurdish rebel group appears to show a carefully executed ambush of a Turkish attack helicopter.
Saudi troops partake in Turkish-led military drills Press TV 16 May 2016 -- Saudi ground and naval forces are taking part in multinational war games being held in the Turkish cities of Ankara and Izmir.
Turkey on Edge as Officials Warn of Islamic State Threats VOA 16 May 2016 -- Turkey went on high alert Monday after intelligence officials warned of possible imminent Islamic State bombing attacks as Turks prepare to celebrate a national holiday.
As NATO Beckons, Ukraine Signs Military Cooperation Plan With Turkey Sputnik 16 May 2016 -- Ukrainian General Staff said that Ukraine and Turkey have signed on Monday a military cooperation plan.
UN rapporteur raps EU-Turkey deal to stop refugees Press TV 16 May 2016 -- The United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of refugees, has strongly denounced a recently signed agreement between the European Union and Turkey over curbing the flow of asylum seekers to Europe.
Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia to Hold Joint Military Drills Sputnik 15 May 2016 -- Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia will hold joint military drills, Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov said Sunday.
Azerbaijan to perform military drills with Turkey, Georgia Press TV 15 May 2016 -- The Republic of Azerbaijan has declared joint military drills with Turkey and Georgia, a move which is likely to increase tensions with neighboring Armenia prior to talks with Yerevan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
One soldier, 6 PKK militants killed in Turkey southeast Press TV 15 May 2016 -- A Turkish soldier and six members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed during a series of violent clashes in the country's volatile southeast, military sources say.
Turkey covering routine Daesh border crossings from Syria: MP Press TV 15 May 2016 -- Leaked phone recordings allegedly show that the Turkish government has permitted over a thousand members of the Daesh terrorist group to cross its borders with Syria.
Turkish Air Force Strikes PKK in Country's Southeast, North Iraq Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- The Turkish Air Force has conducted a series of air operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) positions in the country's southeastern Hakkari province and in Northern Iraq, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement Saturday.
Kurdish Militants Claim Responsibility for Downing Turkish Army Helicopter Sputnik 14 May 2016 -- The People's Defence Force (HPG), the armed wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Saturday claimed responsibility for downing a Turkish military helicopter, refuting the Turkish General Staff's claim that the crash took place due to a technical malfunction.
Turkey not very hopeful about EU refugee deal: Minister Press TV 13 May 2016 -- Turkish Minister of European Union Affairs Volkan Bozkir cast serious doubt Friday over the prospects of realizing a deal between Ankara and the EU on refugees, which would provide visa-free travel for Turks in Europe's borderless Schengen zone.
Eight Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with PKK, helicopter crash Press TV 13 May 2016 -- The Turkish military says at least eight soldiers have been killed in clashes with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants and a helicopter crash in Turkey's southeast.
Turkish Minister Urges EU to Find 'New Formula' to Solve Visa Deal Impasse Sputnik 13 May 2016 -- Brussels should seek a new approach to solve an impasse, emerged due to the lack of changes in the Turkish anti-terrorist legislation, Turkish EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir said Friday.
Turkish Military Masses at Syria Border, but Why? VOA 13 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that the military could intervene in Syria to stop ongoing rocket attacks by so-called Islamic State group. But critics claim Erdogan's real priority for intervening would be to target Syrian Kurdish forces it accuses of being linked to the PKK. And experts warn any intervention would need cooperation from other countries or run the risk of military confrontation.
Turkish president threatens unilateral actions against IS group in Syria People's Daily 12 May 2016 -- Turkey is prepared to take unilateral actions against the Islamic State (IS) in Syriato protect its southern border town Kilis from IS attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
Turkey gears up for 'anti-Daesh' operations in Syria Press TV 12 May 2016 -- Turkey has threatened to launch unilateral "operations" on Syrian soil allegedly against Daesh terrorists amid long-running speculations on Ankara's covert plans for a military intervention in the Arab state.
Turkey says Black Sea turned into Russian lake Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on NATO to bolster its presence in the Black Sea which he claims has turned into a "Russian lake."
18 PKK militants killed in Ankara air raids in Turkey, Iraq Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Turkish fighter jets have carried out fresh aerial assaults on positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), killing at least 18 militants in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Turkey refuses EU call to amend terrorism law Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Turkey says it will not make changes to its terrorism laws required under a controversial deal with the European Union (EU) aimed at stemming the flow of refugees to Europe.
Turkey begins operation in Syria to establish buffer zone: Report Press TV 11 May 2016 -- Turkey has reportedly launched a military operation on the Syrian side of the border as part of a plan to establish a buffer zone in Syria.
EU safe haven for terrorist groups: Erdogan ISNA 11 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused European countries of sheltering the political wings of terrorist groups.
Turkey's AKP push for executive presidency invalid: Opposition leader Press TV 10 May 2016 -- A Turkish opposition leader has criticized as null and void efforts by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to introduce an executive presidency.
'Alarming' reports of major violations in south-east Turkey - UN rights chief UN News 10 May 2016 -- The United Nations human rights chief today reported having received a succession of alarming reports about violations allegedly committed by Turkish military and security forces in south-east Turkey over the past few months, and urged the Turkish authorities to give independent investigators, including UN staff, unimpeded access to the area to verify the veracity of such reports.
Turkey Opens First Mideast Military Base in Qatar VOA 10 May 2016 -- Late last month, Turkey's first foreign military base in the Middle East opened in Qatar to counter what officials called "the same threats."
Car Bomb Targets Suspected PKK Militants in Turkey VOA 10 May 2016 -- Turkish officials say a car bomb killed three people and wounded 45 others in the mainly-Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.
10 killed during two days of clashes in southeast Turkey Press TV 09 May 2016 -- At least 10 people have been killed over two days of clashes between Turkish army and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in the country's volatile southeast.
Turkish shelling in Syria's Aleppo kills 55 Daesh terrorists: Officials Press TV 08 May 2016 -- Turkish authorities say the country's forces have killed at least 55 Daesh terrorists in the northwestern Syrian province of Aleppo.
Turkey warplanes bomb PKK positions in northern Iraq Press TV 08 May 2016 -- Turkish jets have bombed the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) positions in northern Iraq, military sources say.
German paper questions Erdogan family's immeasurable wealth ISNA 08 May 2016 -- German newspaper Bild raised questions as to how Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's children amassed their vast wealth, including one fortune worth tens of millions, when their father only earns some €50 thousand a year as head of state.
Erdogan Blasts West for Leaving Turkey to Fight IS Alone VOA 08 May 2016 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is accusing Western powers who are battling Islamic State extremists in northern Syria of failing to help his government fight the jihadists on Turkish soil.
Erdogan accuses EU of 'sidelining democracy' in terror fight Press TV 07 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again criticized the European Union for pressing his country to change terror laws, saying the EU is "sidelining democracy" in its own anti-terror campaign.
Erdogan urges vote on presidential system Press TV 07 May 2016 -- Hot on the heels of Prime Minister and longtime henchman Ahmet Davutoglu's resignation, Turkey's president has urged the holding of a national referendum on the introduction of a presidential system to replace the current parliamentary one in the country.
Turkey's Erdogan rejects EU calls to amend terror laws Press TV 06 May 2016 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected the European Union's demand to change the country's terror laws in return for lifting Schengen visa requirements on Turkish nationals.
Erdogan Rules Out Reforming Turkey's Anti-terror Laws VOA 06 May 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a tough message Friday to the European Union, telling supporters in a conservative Istanbul stronghold that though his country is facing terrorist attacks, reforming its anti-terror laws is out of the question.
Behind Davutoglu's Resignation RFE/RL 05 May 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced that he will not run again for the chairmanship of the ruling AKP party in an upcoming extraordinary party congress. This means he will resign as Turkey's prime minister. "I have never asked for a higher position in my own academic and political life and will never do so," he said, intimating that it was more important to maintain ties with "friends and brothers" than to risk those relationships by staying in his post.
Turkey's PM Resigns as Erdogan Shows Who's Boss VOA 05 May 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said he will step down as his ruling AK Party announced an extraordinary congress to elect a new leader. Davutoglu's decision comes amid reports of his growing differences with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey's Davutoglu confirms won't seek new term as AKP head Press TV 05 May 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has defended his term in office as a 'success', saying he will no longer stand for the leadership of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Turkey opposition dubs PM resignation 'palace coup' Press TV 05 May 2016 -- Leader of Turkey's main opposition has slammed the ouster of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as a "palace coup" aimed at consolidating the president's power.
Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu to step down as ruling party leader Press TV 05 May 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu plans to relinquish his position as the leader of the country's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) amid differences with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, officials say.
Turkey may dispatch troops to Syria if necessary: Davutoglu Press TV 04 May 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday Ankara is ready to dispatch ground troops to Syria "if necessary" as rocket fire from the Daesh-held territories north of the Arab country keeps claiming lives in Turkey.
Turkey urges immediate action in Syria Press TV 04 May 2016 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Daesh militants must immediately be pushed back from an area in Syria near the Turkish border.
Political Infighting: Erdogan Party Strips Power From Davutoglu Sputnik 02 May 2016 -- In the latest sign of Turkey's slide toward dictatorship, the ruling AK Party has taken steps to remove power from Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and to consolidate authority behind embattled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Separate PKK attacks leave 4 Turkish soldiers dead Press TV 01 May 2016 -- At least four Turkish soldiers have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launched two separate attacks against government forces in the embattled southeastern provinces of Mardin and Gaziantep.

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May 2016 - Turkey Special Weapons News