July 2018 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Russia, Turkey urge US to stop threatening rhetoric over arms deals Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Turkey and Russia have slammed the United States for using the language of threats when it comes to arms deals between other countries that Washington does not favor.
Turkey Vows to Take Legal Action if US Blocks F-35 Deliveries Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- Previously, the 2019 US defense policy bill revealed that Washington had temporarily frozen the transfer of F-35 jets to Turkey, which the country has already paid for.
Turkey Warms Up to Europe as Its US Ties Fester VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- With U.S.-Turkish ties deeply strained, Ankara's relationship with Europe is warming. Berlin reportedly has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a state visit. At the same time, Erdogan is organizing a summit between France, Germany, and Russia to discuss Syria.
Tehran, Moscow, Ankara urge countering plots to partition Syria Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Iran, Russia and Turkey, as guarantor states for a peace process in Syria, have expressed their firm determination to counter any plot aimed at partitioning the Arab country.
Turkish forces 'neutralize' 46 PKK terrorists in Turkey, northern Iraq Press TV 30 Jul 2018 -- Turkish military forces have "neutralized" nearly four dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they carried out a string of counter-terrorism operations in the country's southeastern provinces as well as Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Erdogan invites BRICS to have a 'T' Press TV 30 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has announced interest in joining the BRICS group of emerging economies and has called on the bloc to allow its accession.
Turkey: Unacceptable for US to Use Threatening Language Against It Sputnik 30 Jul 2018 -- The Turkish National Security Council said Monday that the US moves to link defense deal to certain conditions in violation of the international agreements would irreparably hurt strategic ties with Turkey.
Could Turkey Turn to Russia in Response to US Threats? VOA 30 Jul 2018 -- Deepening rifts between Turkey and the United States are fueling speculation Turkey is being given further impetus to strengthen ties with nearby Russia.
Russia, Iran, Turkey to discuss Syrian constitution, de-escalation zones in Sochi ISNA 30 Jul 2018 -- Representatives of the guarantor nations for the Syrian ceasefire (Russia, Iran and Turkey) will meet in Sochi on Monday.
Russia, Iran, Turkey Meet In Sochi For Syria Discussions RFE/RL 30 Jul 2018 -- Meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, representatives of Russia, Iran, and Turkey have kicked off two days of talks on issues related to the war in Syria.
Turkey won't step back in face of US sanctions threat: Erdogan Press TV 29 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has fired back at his US counterpart Donald Trump, who recently threatened Ankara with sanctions unless it freed a jailed American pastor.
Erdogan Warns US Could Lose Partner if Doesn't Change Attitude Toward Turkey Sputnik 29 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Pastor Brunson will not be a part of a prisoner swap deal with the United States despite US President Donald Trump's remarks on sanctions.
Turkey's Erdogan Vows Not to Bow to US Threats VOA 29 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is vowing not to back down to Washington's demand to release American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is on trial on terrorism charges. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, threatened "severe sanctions" if Brunson was not released.
US-Turkey to Conduct Joint Patrols in Syria, Pentagon Head Mattis Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2018 -- The United States and Turkey will start joint military patrols in Syria in a matter of weeks, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis told reporters on Friday.
Turkish-US Tensions Deepen Over Detained American Pastor VOA 27 Jul 2018 -- A senior U.S. official said Washington is confident a detained American pastor in Turkey will be free soon, as tensions deepen between the two countries.
'We won't tolerate threats,' Turkey warns US Press TV 26 Jul 2018 -- Turkey and the United States engage in a war of words over Ankara's detention of an American pastor on terrorism charges.
Trump threatens sanctions unless Turkey releases American pastor Press TV 26 Jul 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose "large sanctions" on NATO ally Turkey over its detention of American Christian pastor Andrew Brunson and called on Ankara to immediately release him.
Trump Threatens Turkey With 'Large Sanctions' Over Detained U.S. Pastor RFE/RL 26 Jul 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is ready to impose "large sanctions" on Turkey unless authorities there allow a U.S. pastor being detained on house arrest to go free.
Turkey Refuses to Tolerate Threats as US Warns of Sanctions Over Detained Pastor Sputnik 26 Jul 2018 -- US evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson was moved to house arrest after spending over a year and a half in a Turkish prison on terror and espionage-related charges.
Turkey moves to adopt security law after ending controversial emergency rule Press TV 25 Jul 2018 -- Only days after lifting a controversial state of emergency, Turkey moves to approve a new security law, which critics say will result in continued crackdown on opposition and provide state officials with non-liability for important decisions.
Turkish Parl't Passes Anti-Terror Bill After Lifting State of Emergency -– Report Sputnik 25 Jul 2018 -- The Turkish unicameral parliament approved an anti-terror bill on Wednesday, extending the powers that the authorities had exercised under the recently ended state of emergency, the Anadolu news agency reported.
Turkish Forces 'Neutralize' 3 PKK Members, While Group Says Kills 15 Servicemen Sputnik 25 Jul 2018 -- Turkish forces have killed or captured three militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during separate missions in Turkey's southeastern Diyarbakir province and northern Iraq, local media reported on Tuesday citing the Turkish General Staff.
Ankara's Rising Balkan Influence Rattles Allies VOA 25 Jul 2018 -- Turkey is expanding its economic and cultural influence over the Balkans, and analysts say the strategy, which targets the region's large Muslim minorities, is worrying some of its Western allies.
No F-35s sales to Turkey, limited support for Saudi war on Yemen: US defense bill Press TV 24 Jul 2018 -- US Congress is aiming to block sales of F-35 joint strike fighters to Turkey and limit Washington's support for Saudi war on Yemen in the final version of the fiscal 2019 defense bill.
US to Temporarily Freeze F-35 Transfers to Turkey Amid S-400 Row Sputnik 24 Jul 2018 -- The conflict between Washington and Ankara over the latter's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems has been a major stumbling block to Turkey obtaining F-35 jets that it has already paid for.
Turkey's Economy Faces Test as Erdogan's Powers Expand VOA 23 Jul 2018 -- International investors are looking to Tuesday's meeting of the Turkish central bank as a critical test of whether the bank can remain independent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his increasing powers, and what some criticize as his Islamist agenda.
Turkey says rejected US call to abide by anti-Iran sanctions Press TV 24 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has described Washington's sanctions against Iran as inappropriate, saying Ankara has told US officials that it will not abide by the bans.
Turkey Refuses to Join US Sanctions on Iran, Calls Them 'Mistake' Sputnik 24 Jul 2018 -- The United States has been ramping up pressure on countries around the world in an effort to bring Iran's oil revenue "down to zero."
Ankara Rules Out Compliance with US Sanctions on Iran VOA 24 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday ruled out his country's compliance with U.S. sanctions on Iran, a move that threatens to exacerbate tensions between the NATO allies.
Turkey police detain 43 suspected members of Daesh terror group in Istanbul Press TV 23 Jul 2018 -- Turkish security forces have arrested 43 people suspected to be foreign members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in an array of counter-terrorism operations across Istanbul.
Mattis Reportedly Slams Turkey's HR Record, Supports Delivery of F-35s Sputnik 21 Jul 2018 -- Ankara has been facing difficulties in its acquisition of the F-35 despite making all the necessary payments, including contributing to its development. The US Congress has attempted to block Turkey from obtaining the fifth generation jet, citing security concerns due to Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems.
Turkey says working to avoid repercussions of US sanctions on Iran Press TV 20 Jul 2018 -- Turkey's Foreign Ministry says the country's officials are working to prevent Ankara from being negatively affected by the US move to re-impose nuclear sanctions against Iran in the wake of Washington's withdrawal from a historic nuclear deal signed between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015.
US sends team to Turkey to discuss Iran sanctions Press TV 20 Jul 2018 -- Turkey says it expects a delegation from the United States which it says would discuss sanctions against Iran.
Turkish court sentences opposition journalist to over 2 years in prison Press TV 19 Jul 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced a journalist of the center-left and opposition daily newspaper Cumhuriyet to more than two years in prison on charges of purportedly making people potential targets for militant outfits through her reporting.
PKK logistics head slain in Turkish airstrikes in northern Iraq Press TV 19 Jul 2018 -- Turkey's military says the head of logistics for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group has been killed as Turkish military aircraft conducted a series of airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Emergency rule ends in Turkey after two years Press TV 19 Jul 2018 -- A two-year state of emergency in Turkey that had been imposed nationwide after a failed coup in 2016 has expired, with Ankara deciding not to renew it.
Allure of Domestic Arms Drives Turkey Toward Russian Missiles VOA 19 Jul 2018 -- Turkey's strategic goal of developing a domestic arms industry is a driving force behind its intention to buy Russia's S-400 missile system, with Moscow including technology transfer as part of the deal. The technology transfer offer, analysts say, is impeding Washington's effort to persuade Ankara to buy the U.S. Patriot missile system instead.
Turkish court gives life sentences to over two dozen over 2016 botched putsch Press TV 18 Jul 2018 -- A court in Turkey has handed down aggravated life sentences to more than two dozen people on charges of involvement in the failed July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which the Ankara government accuses to have been masterminded by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.
U.S. Seeks To Persuade Turkey To Reject Russia, Buy U.S. Missile-Defense System RFE/RL 17 Jul 2018 -- The U.S. State Department says it is working to persuade NATO ally Turkey to purchase Raytheon Patriot missile-defense systems rather than a rival Russian missile system.
Proposed Legislation Stokes New Crackdown as Emergency Rule Ending in Turkey VOA 17 Jul 2018 -- A state of emergency imposed in Turkey following a failed coup two years ago this week is set to end in the coming days. But there are concerns that the government will maintain draconian measures under a different guise.
Turkish journalist acquitted over exposing Ankara's arms aid to Syria militants Press TV 16 Jul 2018 -- A court in Turkey has acquitted a journalist of the center-left and opposition daily newspaper Cumhuriyet, who was being tried for espionage in a case about revealing state secrets by publishing footage of a video showing weapons shipment to pockets of Syria held by foreign-backed terrorists.
Erdogan on coup anniversary: Turkey 'cut off arms of octopus' Press TV 16 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has marked the second anniversary of a failed coup which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said had seen the country "cut off the arms of the octopus," referring to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.
US trying to persuade Turkey to buy Patriots instead of Russian S-400s: Official Press TV 16 Jul 2018 -- An American official says the United States is engaged in negotiations with Turkey in a bid to sell Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to the Ankara government as an alternative to the advanced Advanced S-400 air defense missile systems.
Turkey's Erdogan Marks Anniversary Of Coup Attempt With Verbal Attack On Cleric RFE/RL 16 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has commemorated the second anniversary of the thwarting of a coup attempt against the Turkish president and the government during which 250 were killed.
US general says Turkish plan to buy Russian S-400 air shield systems risk for NATO Press TV 15 Jul 2018 -- The Turkish government's plan to purchase the Russian S-400 systems would give the advanced air defense shield, used by "known foes" of NATO, deep insight into the US radar-evading F-35 fighter jets arriving in increasing numbers in Europe, the top American Air Force general in Europe warns.
Turkey set to shake up key institutions Press TV 15 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has issued a raft of presidential decrees, shaking up key institutions as the country moves towards changing its current parliamentary ruling system to an executive presidential one.
Turkey to sell 30 ATAK helicopters to Pakistan in major military export deal Press TV 13 Jul 2018 -- Turkey and Pakistan have finalized a deal for the sale of 30 multi-role and all-weather TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK attack helicopters in an agreement that has been billed as one of Ankara's largest single defense industry exports.
Turkey Agrees To Sell 30 Military Helicopters To Pakistan RFE/RL 13 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has agreed to sell Pakistan 30 Turkish-made attack helicopters in a deal that has been billed as Ankara's largest single defense sale.
Senior PKK terrorist killed in anti-terror operation in Turkey's Bitlis Press TV 12 Jul 2018 -- Turkish gendarmerie forces have killed a high-ranking member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group during a counter-terrorism operation in the country's eastern province of Bitlis.
Turkish court gives life imprisonment to 72 over coup bridge killings Press TV 12 Jul 2018 -- A Turkish court has handed down life sentences to 72 defendants for their roles in clashes on an Istanbul bridge that led to the deaths of dozens of people, including a key aide of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during an abortive coup two years ago.
Turkey to take delivery of first batch of S-400 systems in late 2018: FM Press TV 11 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country will take delivery of the first batch of advanced S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia by late next year.
Turkish forces 'neutralize' 18 PKK terrorists in Turkey, hit their bases in Iraq Press TV 11 Jul 2018 -- Turkish security and gendarmerie forces have "neutralized" more than two dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they carried out a string of counter-terrorism operations in the country's southeastern provinces of Diyarbakir, Sirnak and Osmaniye.
Turkey resolved to make progress in EU membership process: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has underlined the country's determination to make progress in its EU membership process.
Turkish president unveils new cabinet after taking oath of office Press TV 10 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unveiled his new cabinet, composed of 16 ministers, after being sworn in with new powers for another five-year term in office.
Erdogan sworn in under new system with sweeping presidential powers Press TV 09 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been sworn in for a new term that would see him enjoy sweeping powers, which his opponents say will be used to consolidate his control over the country.
Turkish troops, jets kill 25 Kurdish PKK militants in one week Press TV 09 Jul 2018 -- Turkish ground forces and military aircraft have killed more than two dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they carried out a string of counter-terrorism operations in the country's southeastern province near the border with Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in the past week.
New Term, Sweeping New Powers For Erdogan As He Takes Oath Of Office RFE/RL 09 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been sworn in to a new term, assuming sweeping new powers condemned by opponents as a recipe for one-man rule and promising a "new era" for the country of 80 million people.
Turkish President Assumes News Sweeping Powers VOA 09 Jul 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has assumed sweeping new powers as the country transitions to an executive presidency.
Turkish MPs take oaths as Erdogan assumes sweeping new powers Press TV 08 Jul 2018 -- Turkish lawmakers have taken oaths of office as Recep Tayyip Erdogan starts a new term as president with sweeping new powers granted in last year's narrowly-won referendum.
Turkey Fires More Than 18,000 State Employees In New Decree RFE/RL 08 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has issued a decree dismissing more than 18,000 civil servants, half of which were from the police force, over suspected links to groups that "act against national security."
Turkey Sacks Over 18,000 Public Service Workers Over Gulen Links in New Decree Sputnik 08 Jul 2018 -- The Turkish government has adopted a decree in line with the state of the emergency regime, declared following the 2016 coup attempt, the official Resmi Gazete reported.
Turkey to continue Iraq operation to uproot PKK: President Erdogan Press TV 07 Jul 2018 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Turkey's determination to eradicate the threat of "terror", saying Ankara will continue its military operation in northern Iraq until the elimination of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Erdogan vows more efficiency in Turkish government Press TV 06 Jul 2018 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to turn the new executive system in the country into a more efficient government compared to the old system.
Turkey issues arrest warrants for nearly 350 over links to Gulen network Press TV 06 Jul 2018 -- Turkish prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for nearly 350 people, including soldiers, on suspicion of affiliation to a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey to Retaliate if US Slaps Sanctions Over S-400 Purchase - Ankara Sputnik 06 Jul 2018 -- Relations between the US and Turkey have seriously deteriorated after Washington threatened not to sell Ankara F-35 fighters if it buys S-400 missile systems from Moscow, as well as imposing sanctions if the situation remains unchanged.
Ankara Pushes Back Over US Iran Sanctions VOA 06 Jul 2018 -- Ankara has criticized Washington's hardline policy toward Tehran, and with Turkey's cooperation seen as vital to enforcing U.S. sanctions against Iran, analysts say a new confrontation could be looming.
US to send next generation nukes to Turkey Press TV 05 Jul 2018 -- The United States is preparing to send an unknown number of its next generation nuclear weapons to military bases across Turkey and other NATO countries in Europe, according to a new report.
Turkey to sell four corvette ships to Pakistan Navy: Defense minister Press TV 05 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli says Ankara has won a tender to build four corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, describing the deal as "the largest defense export of Turkey in one agreement."
Turkish PM Signals End to Controversial Emergency Rule VOA 05 Jul 2018 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has indicated the end of emergency rule before it expires two weeks from now, on July 19.
Airstrikes kill 11 PKK terrorists in SE Turkey, northern Iraq Press TV 04 Jul 2018 -- Turkish military aircraft have killed nearly a dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they separately carried out a string of airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region as well as southeastern Turkey.
Turkey: Decree grants president more power Press TV 04 Jul 2018 -- Turkey has issued a decree, giving more power to the president as the country moves towards adopting a full-fledged presidential system.
Turkey's Pro-Kurdish Party Seeks to Redraw Political Borders VOA 04 Jul 2018 -- Emboldened by its success in the June 24 elections, Turkey's main pro-Kurdish HDP Party is looking to broaden its support beyond its traditional ethnic base – a move that could redraw the country's entrenched political borders.
Not Welcome: Kurdish Commander Warns Turkish Forces Not to Enter Manbij Sputnik 03 Jul 2018 -- Turkish troops are continuing their patrols of Manbij's outskirts but have yet to enter the town despite an agreement between Ankara and Washington on the withdrawal of Kurdish units in the area.
Turkey Warns Syria About Action Against Idlib VOA 03 Jul 2018 -- Turkey is warning Damascus not to take action against the opposition-held region of Idlib in response to Syria's efforts against rebels in Daraa, where the Syrian government is attempting to control the last remaining opposition-controlled enclaves.
Top Gulenist suspect dies of heart attack in Turkish prison Press TV 02 Jul 2018 -- A top suspect of the 2016 coup attempt against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has died of a heart attack in prison, state-run news agency Anadolu reports.
Turkish fighter jets 'neutralize' 8 Kurdish PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, southeastern Turkey Press TV 01 Jul 2018 -- Turkish military aircraft have "neutralized" eight members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they separately carried out a string of airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region as well as southeastern Turkey.
Turkish Army Handing Over Order Control in Afrin to Local Police - Official Sputnik 01 Jul 2018 -- The Turkish military have commenced the transition of order control functions in the northern Syrian city of Afrin to the local police, a coordinator of the Turkish humanitarian mission in Afrin said Sunday.

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July 2018 - Turkey Special Weapons News