May 2017 - Turkey Special Weapons News

13 Turkish troops killed in helicopter crash in Sirnak Press TV 31 May 2017 -- Thirteen Turkish troops have died in a helicopter crash in the country's southeastern Sirnak province.
Turkey: Foreign spy services aid Gulenists Press TV 30 May 2017 -- Turkey's Intelligence Agency says either one or several foreign spy services aid what Ankara calls a terrorist organization run by Turkish figure Fethullah Gulen, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's archenemy.
German Lawmakers Not to Visit Incirlik While Germany Acts Against Turkey - FM Sputnik 30 May 2017 -- Ankara will not allow German lawmakers to visit the Incirlik air base as long as Germany takes steps against Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday.
Turkey at Loggerheads With Allies Over Key Airbase VOA 30 May 2017 -- Attention is growing on Turkey's relationship with key NATO allies because of an increasingly acrimonious fight over the use of its Incirlik airbase.
Turkey Escalates Crackdown on Islamic State VOA 29 May 2017 -- Turkey has intensified its crackdown on Islamic State-associated militants since the deadly New Year's Eve attack on Istanbul's Reina nightclub that was claimed by IS, according to officials and analysts.
Iran asks Turkey for explanation over deaths of border guards Press TV 29 May 2017 -- Iran says it has asked for explanation from Turkey after a cross-border attack left two Iranian border guards dead on Saturday.
Turkish jets bomb northern Iraq, kill PKK militants Press TV 28 May 2017 -- Turkish warplanes have bombed northern Iraq in the latest attack inside the Arab country without coordination with the government in Baghdad.
Germany may withdraw troops from Turkey within 2 weeks Press TV 28 May 2017 -- Germany, by mid-June, will decide whether to pull out its troops from Turkey after Ankara in a controversial move refused to grant German lawmakers access to a key NATO base on its soil near Syria, an official says.
Turkey arrests opposition daily staff over alleged links to Gulen Press TV 27 May 2017 -- Turkey has arrested two employees of the opposition newspaper Sozcu over their alleged links to US-based Turkish figure Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for masterminding a failed military coup last year.
Turkey, EU Agree on Year-Long Plan of Actions to Improve Relations - Erdogan Sputnik 27 May 2017 -- Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey and the European Union reached agreement on the year-long plan of actions to improve bilateral relations which had deteriorated in the wake of 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey.
Erdogan to Allow German Lawmakers Access to Incirlik Base Under One Condition Sputnik 27 May 2017 -- Turkey, which stopped a group of German lawmakers from visiting Bundeswehr troops at the Incirlik air base earlier this month, might be willing to let the deputies in after all, Turkish President Erdogan said.
Ankara sacks over 4,000 judges linked to Gulen Press TV 26 May 2017 -- Turkey has sacked more than 4,000 judges and prosecutors accused of supporting last year's abortive putsch against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Merkel Delivers Ultimatum to Erdogan Over Incirlik Airbase in Turkey Sputnik 25 May 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters Thursday after arriving at the NATO summit in Brussels that she is going to "clearly indicate" in talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Germany will leave the Incirlik airbase if German lawmakers are now allowed to visit it.
Turkish authorities have seized 879 firms since 2016 failed coup Press TV 24 May 2017 -- Turkey's Savings and Deposits Insurance Fund (TMSF) says authorities have seized or appointed an administrator to some 879 firms worth 40.3 billion lira (about $11.32 billion) in assets in the eight months since the July 2016 coup attempt.
Turkish post-coup purge reaches local councils, ministries Press TV 24 May 2017 -- Turkey's Savings and Deposits Insurance Fund (TMSF) says authorities have seized or appointed an administrator to some 879 firms worth 40.3 billion lira (about $11.32 billion) in assets in the eight months since the July 2016 coup attempt.
Erdogan Wishes Germany 'Happy Journey' if it Decides to Leave Incirlik Base Sputnik 24 May 2017 -- The possible withdrawal of the German air force contingent from the Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey poses no problem for Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday.
Turkey Recruits Thousands of Free Syrian Army Rebels to Fight Kurds Sputnik 24 May 2017 -- Turkey has ostensibly spent three months training a large rebel force planning to deploy them against the People's Protection Units (YPG), a commander of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) told Sputnik Turkey on condition of anonymity.
Ex-Turkish Air Force Chief Denies Involvement in 2016 Coup Attempt Sputnik 23 May 2017 -- Former Turkish Air Force Commander Gen. Akin Ozturk on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to the charge of involvement in last year's thwarted military coup attempt.
Germany Made No Decision Yet on Moving Military From Turkey to Jordan Sputnik 23 May 2017 -- The transfer of German military from the Turkish Incirlik base to another location in Jordan is an interesting alternative, but no political decision on the matter has been made yet, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.
Trial Of Alleged Turkey Coup Ringleaders Begins Amid Criticism From Rights Group RFE/RL 22 May 2017 -- Turkey has begun the trial of more than 220 suspects accused of being among the ringleaders of the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in July 2016.
Turkey's Erdogan set to reassume presidency of ruling party AKP Press TV 21 May 2017 -- Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is slated to reassume the chairmanship role in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) more than a month after a controversial referendum boosted his powers.
Erdogan: Emergency State in Turkey to Stay in Force Sputnik 21 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the emergency state in Turkey will only be canceled when stability and security in the country are ensured.
Turkey's Erdogan Extends Emergency Rule VOA 21 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally extended the state of emergency declared after a failed 2016 military coup, saying the decree will remain in place until the country finds "welfare and peace."
Turkey targets opposition daily crew suspected of links to coup bid Press TV 20 May 2017 -- Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for the chief executive and several staff members of an opposition daily in Istanbul, as a crackdown continues in the wake an abortive military coup last year.
Turkey Planning New Operations in Syria, Iraq Against Kurdish Armed Groups Sputnik 20 May 2017 -- Turkey's General Staff has developed a new plan of anti-terrorist operations in the region against possible attacks of the Kurdish armed groups in Syria and Iraq, local media reported on Saturday.
Turkey steps up training militants in northern Syria: Report Press TV 20 May 2017 -- Turkey has reportedly resumed an extensive campaign aimed at training the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants in northern Syria, purportedly to fight Kurdish forces and Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
Turkey: German troops welcome to leave Incirlik Press TV 18 May 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has hit back at German threats to pull its troops out of a key NATO base on its soil near Syria.
Turkey urges ouster of US envoy in 'anti-Daesh' coalition Press TV 18 May 2017 -- Turkey has called for the removal of the US official coordinating the international coalition purportedly fighting Daesh Takfiri terrorists in Iraq and Syria amid growing tensions between Ankara and other members of the Washington-led alliance.
Turkey Calls For Ouster Of U.S. Envoy To Anti-IS Coalition RFE/RL 18 May 2017 -- Turkey is calling for the ouster of the U.S. envoy to the international coalition fighting the extremist group Islamic State (IS), accusing him of supporting Kurdish militias.
Turkey Will Respond to Attacks by Syrian Kurds Without Warning US - Erdogan Sputnik 18 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his US counterpart Donald Trump during their recent meeting that Ankara has the right to take necessary measures if it is attacked by the Syrian Kurdish militia People's Protection Units (YPG) without holding consultations with Washington prior to its response, Daily Sabah newspaper reported Thursday.
Turkey Not to Take Part in Raqqa Retaking Op Due to Kurds Involvement - Erdogan Sputnik 18 May 2017 -- Turkey will not participate in the anti-Daesh Raqqa operation amid the YPG involvement in it, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.
Trump, Erdogan Avoid Discord Over Kurds in White House Talks VOA 17 May 2017 -- After meetings Tuesday at the White House, President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, praised the strength of the two countries' relations, while at the same time sidestepping their differences over strategies for confronting Islamic State extremists in northern Syria.
Germany may pull troops out of Turkey base Press TV 17 May 2017 -- German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has warned that Berlin could allow the movement of troops out of a base in southern Turkey if Ankara keeps denying German lawmakers access to the site.
Turkish PM wants Germany to choose bilateral ties or coup supporters Press TV 16 May 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has called on Germany to decide between friendly ties with Ankara and the alleged plotters of the last year attempted coup in Turkey.
Turkey issues arrest warrants for 85 ministry staff in post-coup probe Press TV 16 May 2017 -- Prosecutors in Turkey have issued arrest warrants for 85 staff at two ministries as part of a probe targeting the network of US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen whom Ankara accuses of masterminding the July 2016 failed coup.
Turkey considers establishing military base in Syria's Idlib Press TV 16 May 2017 -- The Turkish army is mulling the establishment of a military base close to the Syrian city of al-Bab, says deputy prime minister.
Trump Hosts Turkey's Erdogan For Expected Talks On Syria, Gulen RFE/RL 16 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is holding talks at the White House with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan is expected to call on Trump to refrain from arming Syrian Kurdish rebels whom Ankara considers terrorists.
Trump Welcomes Erdogan to White House VOA 16 May 2017 -- A week after U.S. President Donald Trump sparked anger in Turkey by authorizing the arming of Syrian Kurds, he welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Tuesday.
Incirlik Crisis: Are German Armed Forces Really Planning to Leave Military Base? Sputnik 16 May 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Berlin will consider other options for the placement of its armed forces following Ankara's decision to ban German lawmakers from visiting the Turkish Incirlik military base.
German-Turkish Relations Hit New Low as NATO Partners Fall Out Over Airbase Sputnik 16 May 2017 -- Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Ankara have plunged to a new low after Turkey refused to allow German lawmakers access to German staff working at the strategically important Incirlik airbase in southwestern Turkey.
Germany slams Turkey's refusal to let MPs visit Incirlik Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Berlin has condemned Ankara's refusal to grant permission to German lawmakers to visit their country's soldiers serving in a NATO mission at a Turkish airbase.
Germany Views Jordan as Alternative for Troop Relocation From Turkey's Incirlik Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- Germany will continue searching for an alternative to relocate its troops stationed at Turkey's Incirlik airbase to neighboring countries, such as Jordan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday.
Turkey Plans to Create Military Base in Syria's North Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces plans to establish a military base near the town of al-Bab in the north of Syria, according to the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak.
Turkey completes tender to construct wall on Iranian border ISNA 14 May 2017 -- After building a 688-kilometer-long wall on the border between Turkey and Syria, Ankara has completed the tender for a 144-kilometer wall on the border with neighboring İran, Turkish Minute reported.
Turkey test-fires first domestically-manufactured ballistic missile Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Turkey has successfully test-fired its first homemade ballistic missile near the Black Sea coastal region of Sinop, the Turkish defense minister says.
Turkey Successfully Test Fires Its First Indigenous KAAN Missile System Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- Turkey has successfully test fired a rocket using its state-of-the-art KAAN missile system for the first time; the weapons system is produced by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK)-affiliated company Roketsan AS. The launch was made over the Black Sea and was watched live by the country's Defense Minister and the Undersecretary for Defense Industries.
Erdogan Mentions New Start With Trump, but Warns Turkey Will Attack Syrian Kurds VOA 12 May 2017 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared both confrontational and conciliatory Friday, saying his scheduled talks next week with President Donald Trump could mark a "new beginning" in relations between the two NATO allies, who've been increasingly at cross purposes over Syria.
Turkey, Pakistan to jointly manufacture attack helicopters IRNA 12 May 2017 -- Pakistan has entered an agreement with Turkey to jointly manufacture T-129 attack helicopters, local media reported.
US committed to Turkey's security, Mattis tells Turkish PM Yildirim Press TV 11 May 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has assured Turkey that Washington is committed to protecting its NATO ally, while Ankara is infuriated by a US plan to arm Kurdish fighters.
Turkey regrets Germany's move to accept asylum requests Press TV 11 May 2017 -- Turkey has criticized Germany for granting political asylum to a group of military personnel, whom Ankara accuses of involvement in a failed coup last year.
Erdogan Calls on US to Annul Decision to Arm Kurdish 'Terrorist Organizations' Sputnik 11 May 2017 -- Turkey expects its allies to support the country and not terrorist groups, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday.
US Reaffirms Commitment to Protect Turkey VOA 11 May 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has reiterated its pledge to protect Turkey, as the country opposes a recent U.S. decision to arm Syrian Kurdish fighters in an attempt to oust Islamic State militants from their stronghold in Raqqa.
Turkish Foreign Minister Says Weapons Obtained by Kurds in Syria Threaten Turkey Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday that the weapons obtained in northern Syria by the Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) militia pose a threat to Turkey, local media reported.
After Buying S-400, Turkey Aims to Build Own Components for Air Defense Systems Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Talks with Russia on deliveries of S-400 air defense systems to Turkey are at final stages, but Ankara still aims to manufacture its own components for such systems, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said Wednesday.
Erdogan to Grill Trump Over Decision to Arm Kurdish Militia in Syria VOA 10 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he will grill President Donald Trump about the U.S. decision to arm the Syrian Kurdish militia when he visits Washington next week.
Turkish Defense Minister Calls US Decision to Arm Syrian Kurds 'Crisis' Sputnik 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik on Wednesday slammed the United States' plan to arm Kurdish militias fighting terrorism in Syria, saying that Ankara will protect its national interests, and that the US decision provokes crisis.
Every weapon obtained by YPG threat against Turkey: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed great resentment over the US administration's decision to arm Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters battling Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria, stressing that every weapon obtained by the forces constitutes a threat to Turkey.
Erdogan calls on US to reverse bid to arm Kurdish militants in Syria Press TV 10 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Washington to immediately overturn its decision to arm Kurdish militants that Ankara regards as members of a terrorist group.
US ignores Turkey's objection, approves arming Kurdish forces in Syria Press TV 09 May 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has authorized the arming of Kurdish forces in Syria despite fierce opposition from Turkey.
Turkey must inform Iran of any border wall construction: Source Press TV 09 May 2017 -- An informed source at the Iranian Foreign Ministry says Turkey must keep Iran updated on any construction of a wall along the two countries' border.
Turkey, Qatar agree on terms of joint military base deal: Official Press TV 09 May 2017 -- Turkey and Qatar have agreed on the terms of a deal to set up a joint military base in Doha and deploy hundreds of Turkish forces to the camp, an official in Ankara says.
Germany gives asylum to 'coup-linked' Turkish soldiers: Media reports Press TV 09 May 2017 -- Germany has reportedly granted refugee status to several Turkish soldiers and their families based in NATO facilities as Ankara keeps up its massive purge in the aftermath of last July's failed military coup.
Turkey Interested in Continuation of EU Accession Bid With 'Win-Win' Outcome Sputnik 09 May 2017 -- Turkey interested in the continuation of the process of its accession to the EU membership with the mutually beneficial outcome for both sides, the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement Tuesday.
Turkey Launches Airstrikes in Northern Iraq, Destroys PKK Camps - Reports Sputnik 09 May 2017 -- The Turkish Air Force destroyed camps of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group in Iraq in the early hours of Tuesday, local media reported.
Pentagon Reassures Turkey on Equipping Kurdish Elements in Syria AFPS 09 May 2017 -- A Pentagon official today offered reassurances to Turkey following President Donald J. Trump's authorization yesterday for the Defense Department to equip Kurdish elements in Syria fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Turkey to play role in battle for Raqqah: Pentagon chief Press TV 09 May 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis says the United States will work with Turkey to liberate the Daesh-held northeastern Syrian city of Raqqah.
Turkish Prosecution Demands Some 3,600 Aggravated Life Terms for Gulen Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Turkish prosecutors have demanded a total of 3,623 aggravated life sentences for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused of being the mastermind behind the July 2016 coup attempt, local media reported on Monday.
Turkey Plans to Build Wall on Iranian Border to Block Access for PKK Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Ankara is planning to build a wall along the border with Iran within the framework of the efforts to prevent the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group in Turkey, from entering the country's territory, the Hurriyet newspaper reported on Monday, citing an official.
Turkey deploying troops to Syria's militant-held Idlib: Report Press TV 07 May 2017 -- The Turkish army is set to deploy forces to Syria's militant-controlled northwestern Idlib province and establish military bases there, a report says.
Kurds Push For a No-Fly Zone on Turkish-Syrian Border Sputnik 07 May 2017 -- The Syrian Kurds have called for a no-fly zone to be set up on the border with Turkey after the Turkish Air Force carried out airstrikes against the People's Protection Units (YPG), the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) spokesperson Nesrin Ebdullah told Sputnik Turkey.
Ankara Threatens Military Action Against Kurdish Groups Despite Ally Warnings VOA 04 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly has warned that force will be used to end the presence of Kurdish groups YPG and PKK in Syria and Iraq.
Turkish, Azerbaijani Joint Military Drills Draw Protest From Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 03 May 2017 -- Turkey and Azerbaijan have launched joint military exercises lasting from May 1 to May 5 with about 1,000 troops participating, Baku's Defense Ministry says.
Russia, Turkey underline need to continue anti-terror fight Press TV 03 May 2017 -- Russia and Turkey have both underscored the need to continue the fight against terrorism and step up safe zones in war-tron Syria.
Putin, Erdogan Hail Return To 'Normal Partner' Relations RFE/RL 03 May 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed that their countries have overcome a period of difficulties in bilateral relations and have returned to "normal partner interaction."
Russian President Putin Holds Joint Presser With Turkish Counterpart Erdogan Sputnik 03 May 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a joint press conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Wednesday, May 3. The two leaders previously discussed a series of issues over Russian-Turkish bilateral relations as well as the ongoing Syrian conflict.
Ankara to discuss possible military operations in Syria with Russia, US Press TV 02 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he will discuss Ankara's "possible operations" in northern Syria with Russia and the United States, vowing not to allow Kurdish militants to achieve their goals in the region.
Erdogan: Turkey Will Say 'Goodbye' to EU Unless New Talks Opened RFE/RL 02 May 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the European Union to open talks on aspects of Turkey's bid to join the EU, warning that otherwise Ankara would have nothing to discuss with the bloc and would say "goodbye."
Erdogan Warns 'Goodbye' to EU if Accession Chapters Not Opened Sputnik 02 May 2017 -- Turkey will say "goodbye" to the European Union if Brussels does not open its new accession chapters for Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday.
Erdogan, Putin to Meet Amid Faltering Rapprochement VOA 02 May 2017 -- Turkey could be seeking to play Moscow off Washington, according to some analysts, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set for separate meetings this month with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
UN rights chief slams Turkey's post-coup purge, warns Egypt over crackdown Press TV 01 May 2017 -- The UN rights chief has criticized Turkey's large-scale dismissal of officials and mass arrests of people in the wake of the July 15 coup attempt, while warning Egypt about consequences of its heavy-handed crackdown on dissent.

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May 2017 - Turkey Special Weapons News