September 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Erdogan vows to develop Turkey's own fighter jets after S-400/F-35 dispute with US Press TV 30 Sep 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will develop its own fighter jets after the United States removed Ankara from the F-35 program over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Turkey downs unidentified drone on Syria border: Defense ministry Press TV 29 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish Defense Ministry says the country's air force has shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near the Syrian border after it violated Turkey's airspace multiple times.
Turkey Shoots Down Unidentified Drone That Violated Its Air Space Six Times From Syria - Photo Sputnik 29 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement that an unidentified drone crossed its border with Syria in the western region of the country, entering its airspace six times.
Turkey in talks with Russia over buying Su-35 fighter jets: Russian official Press TV 28 Sep 2019 -- A senior Russian official says Moscow and Ankara are holding talks about the possible sale of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to Turkey, after Washington removed Ankara from its F-35 fighter jets program after the latter received the first parts of advanced Russian S-400 missile defense system.
US, Turkey must end illegal military presence in Syria: FM Muallem Press TV 28 Sep 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has slammed as "illegal" the military presence of the US and Turkey in northern Syria, demanding an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from his country.
Turkey plans construction project worth $27 billion in Syria 'safe zone': TRT Press TV 28 Sep 2019 -- State broadcaster TRT Haber says Turkey plans to build towns within the so-called safe zone in northeast Syria, raising fears that Ankara might be carving out a patch of land in the Arab country for itself.
Turkey Can Buy US Patriot Anti-Aircraft System, Along With Russian S-400s - Erdogan Sputnik 27 Sep 2019 -- Turkey can purchase Patriot missile defence systems from the United States, along with Russian S-400 systems, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.
Erdogan Defies Trump Over Iran Sanctions VOA 27 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday continued to chart a collision course with Washington over Iran. Erdogan is categorically ruling out enforcing American sanctions intended to put Iran in an economic straitjacket.
Turkey to continue trade with Iran despite US threats: Erdogan Press TV 27 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will continue to do trade with Iran despite threats of sanctions by the United States, arguing that it is impossible for Ankara to stop importing Iranian oil and gas.
Turkey Will Continue Trade With Iran Despite US Sanctions Threat - President Erdogan Sputnik 27 Sep 2019 -- Last week, the US introduced a new round of sanctions against Iran over attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities that it blamed on Tehran, despite the Islamic Republic strongly denying having participated in the incident, responsibility for which was claimed by Yemen's Houthis group.
Syria 'Safe Zone' US-Turkey Work Continues, Preparations Along Border Complete - Erdogan Sputnik 27 Sep 2019 -- Negotiations on the so-called safe zone in Syria continue as Washington and Ankara have yet to reach a final agreement on the perimeter and governance of the area.
Libyan National Army Says Destroyed Turkish Drone at Tripoli's Airport Sputnik 26 Sep 2019 -- The Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar said on Thursday that it had destroyed a Turkish drone at Tripoli's Mitiga airport.
UNGA 2019: Israel irked as Erdogan takes UN podium to rap occupation Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of "lying" after he drew the world's attention to the Tel Aviv regime's occupation of Palestinian territories during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
Iran, Russia, Turkey issue joint statement on Syrian constitutional committee ISNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers held a joint meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, during which they discussed holding the first session of Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva tasked with drafting Syria's new constitution.
Nuclear power should either be allowed for everyone or banned completely: Turkey's Erdogan Press TV 24 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized double standards regarding atomic activities of the United Nations members, saying nuclear power should either be free for all states or banned completely.
Turkey May Buy Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jets on Favourable Terms - Turkish National Assembly Speaker Sputnik 24 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this month, Russia said it believed that Turkey might be interested in buying Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets after the US kicked it off its F-35 programme.
Two Turkish soldiers killed by IED in northern Iraq Press TV 23 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Defense Ministry has announced that two of its soldiers were killed in an attack in northern Iraq by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Erdogan Set to Meet Trump to Discuss Syrian Crisis VOA 23 Sep 2019 -- Rising tensions over Syria is expected to top the agenda of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkish Airstrikes Kill 5 Terrorists in Northern Iraq - Reports Sputnik 21 Sep 2019 -- Turkish fighter jets carried out airstrikes in northern Iraq, killing five terrorists, Turkey's media reported.
Turkey prepared to act on its southern border with Syria: Erdogan Press TV 21 Sep 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is fully prepared for a possible operation on the border with Syria to push back militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in case the United States fails to create a so-called safe zone in the northeastern part of the Arab country this month.
US Military 'Impressed' by Cooperation with Turkey in Syria; Erdogan Issues Warning VOA 19 Sep 2019 -- Senior U.S. military officers claim "impressive" progress in cooperation with NATO ally Turkey in northeast Syria. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is warning of unilateral action against Washington's critical Syrian ally if Turkish security demands aren't met by the end of the month.
Defeat-ISIS Task Force Director Chris Maier Provides an On-the-Record, Off-Camera Press Briefing in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 18 Sep 2019 -- Defeat-ISIS Task Force Director Chris Maier
U.S., Turkey Cooperate in Defeat-ISIS Effort DoD News 18 Sep 2019 -- In late August, the U.S. and Turkish militaries agreed to a framework that outlines a security mechanism along the Turkey-Syria border to prevent a resurgence of the ISIS terrorist group and maintain a continued fight against it.
Minister says US sanctions on Iran hit Turkey worst Press TV 18 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Minister for Trade Ruhsar Pekcan says her country has been the worst hit by a series of American sanctions imposed on Iran.
Turkey May Launch Operation in Safe Zone in Northeastern Syria Within 2 Weeks - Erdogan Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Ankara is ready to start an operation against Kurdish militia in a safe zone in northeastern Syria within two weeks, if no specific measures are taken there jointly with the United States, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
Turkey continues to arm terrorist groups in Idlib, evades Sochi commitments: Syrian UN envoy Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Hussam Eddin Ala, says Turkey has been providing various types of munitions to foreign-sponsored terrorist groups operating in the country's militant-held northwestern province of Idlib, and reneging on its commitments under the Sochi agreement.
Turkey, Russia, Iran Vow To Ease Tensions In Syria's Idlib RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the leaders of Russia and Iran in Ankara on September 16 for talks aimed at finding a lasting truce in the ruinous eight-year Syrian civil war.
Joint statement of Astana guarantor states on Syria ISNA 17 Sep 2019 -- The Presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey, in a joint statement, reaffirmed their firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, rejecting every effort to create new realities in the Syrian field under the pretext of combatting terrorism, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives.
President Rouhani calls for respect for Syrian sovereignty, territorial integrity IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Iran urged respect for the Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying Turkey and Russia stress the importance of this issue.
Ankara summit aiming at restoring peace, stability in Syria, gov't spox says IRNA 16 Sep 2019 -- Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei noted that President Rouhani's trip to Ankara was aimed at building peace and stability in Syria.
Iran-Turkey-Russia cooperation promotes Syria security: Rouhani Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says cooperation among Iran, Russia, and Turkey, as the three guarantor states of a ceasefire regime in Syria, has promoted security in the war-ravaged Arab country.
Presidents of Iran, Russia, Turkey meet in Ankara to discuss Syria Press TV 16 Sep 2019 -- The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey meet on Monday in the Turkish capital of Ankara to discuss a political resolution to Syria's eight-year conflict.
Turkey, Russia, Iran Vow To Ease Tensions In Syria's Idlib, Prevent Further Humanitarian Disaster RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the leaders of Russia and Iran in Ankara on September 16 for talks aimed at finding a lasting truce in the ruinous eight-year Syrian civil war.
Russia, Turkey, Iran View Israeli Attacks on Syria as Destabilising Sputnik 16 Sep 2019 -- Russia, Turkey and Iran consider Israeli military attacks on Syria as destabilizing and leading to increased tensions in the region, according to a joint statement by the leaders of the three countries after the summit in Ankara on Monday.
Turkey's Erdogan Hosts Putin, Rohani To Discuss Syrian War RFE/RL 16 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Ankara on September 16 for their latest meeting on Syria.
Delivery of second S-400 battery to Turkey completed, defense ministry says Press TV 15 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Defense Ministry says the delivery of the second battery of the advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems has been completed, and that the systems would become operational in April 2020.
Turkey Says Delivery Complete Of Second S-400 Unit From Russia RFE/RL 15 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has announced that it has accepted delivery of all the components of the second battery of the advanced S-400 air-defense system that Ankara has purchased from Moscow.
Russian Defence Ministry Releases New Video of S-400 Weapon Systems Being Shipped to Turkey Sputnik 15 Sep 2019 -- A statement accompanying the video said the surface-to-air missile launchers are being delivered to Turkey "in accordance with the terms of the contract concluded with the Turkish side and within the terms agreed by the parties".
Russia Completes Second Stage of S-400 Missile System Components Delivery Sputnik 15 Sep 2019 -- The first stage of the supply of S-400 parts to Turkey was completed at the end of July. The deliveries took a total of 30 special flights.
Iranian President Rouhani in Turkey for talks on Syria, regional issues IRNA 15 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani arrived in the Turkish capitalو Ankara on Sunday night in a bid to join his Turkish and Russian counterparts in discussions on Syria.
Erdogan says will talk to Trump about buying Patriot missiles Press TV 14 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish president says he will discuss with his American counterpart Donald Trump a possible purchase of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile systems in an upcoming meeting.
Ankara to host Russia-Iran-Turkey trilateral summit on Syria ISNA 14 Sep 2019 -- The presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran will discuss the difficult situation in Syria's Idlib province when they meet in Ankara early next week for a summit, Yuri Ushakov, a senior Kremlin aide said.
Erdogan Warns US Against 'Hurting' Ally Turkey, Vows to Discuss Patriots Purchase With Trump Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- The US Defence Department earlier warned Ankara that Turkey's military relationship with the United States would face serious consequences if the country acquires Russian S-400 air defence systems.
Turkey's President Wants Europe to Share Refugee Burden From Syria VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is warning Europe to share the refugee burden or face a new wave of migrants, as Turkey fears a new influx of Syrian refugees. Erdogan's threat coincides with a surge of migrants entering Greece from Turkey.
US Efforts on Safe Zone in Syria Fail to Meet Ankara's Expectations - Erdogan Sputnik 13 Sep 2019 -- US efforts on establishing the safe zone in northeastern Syria fall short of expectations of Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
The Fate of Syria's Idlib to Top Turkey, Russia, Iran Talks VOA 13 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish, Iranian and Russian presidents will meet in Ankara Monday to discuss Syria and the last rebel enclave in Idlib. Syrian regime forces are threatening to overrun Idlib, and Ankara is warning of a humanitarian disaster.
Erdogan says upcoming Ankara meeting to focus on Idlib IRNA 13 Sep 2019 -- The trilateral meeting with Iran and Russia that will be held in Ankara next week will focus on the developments in Syria's Idlib, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.
Iran president due in Ankara for trilateral summit on Syria Press TV 13 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will attend a trilateral meeting in Ankara with Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey in order to discuss a political resolution to the Syria crisis.
Turkey Deploys Military Equipment to Idlib to Reinforce Observation Posts - Reports Sputnik 12 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has deployed soldiers, military and construction equipment to the Idlib de-escalation zone to reinforce its observation posts in the area, the Anadolu news agency reported.
US Still Mulling Sanctions Against Turkey VOA 12 Sep 2019 -- Turkey could still get hit with U.S. sanctions, part of the continuing fallout over its decision to accept delivery of Russia's S-400 air defense system in July.
US stalling work on Syria 'safe zone', Turkey will act alone if needed: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says the United States is stalling attempts to create a so-called safe zone in the northeastern part of Syria, reaffirming that Ankara is ready to act on its own if necessary to push back militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkey Accuses US of Attempting to Stall Safe Zone Agreement in Syria Sputnik 10 Sep 2019 -- On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, as quoted by Reuters, that Ankara has disagreements with Washington "at every step" amid negotiations on the establishment of a safe zone in Syria.
Turkish-US Tensions Escalate Over Syria Deal VOA 10 Sep 2019 -- Diplomatic tensions are escalating between Turkey and the United States over Syria. Ankara is accusing Washington of duplicity in a deal struck between the two militaries to create a buffer zone in Syrian territory to address Turkish security and refugee concerns.
Erdogan Fights Back as Challenges Loom From Former Allies VOA 09 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is tightening his grip on his ruling party, expelling rivals amid weakening public support and challenges from former allies.
Erdogan says Turkey, US at odds over Syria safe zone Press TV 08 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara and Washington do not see eye to eye regarding a planned "safe zone" in northern Syria, where an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militants opposed by Turkey enjoy the United States' support in their alleged fight against terrorism.
Joint US-Turkish patrols in flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty: Damascus Press TV 08 Sep 2019 -- Syria has censured a recent decision by Turkish and US military forces to begin joint ground patrols in a so-called safe zone east of the Euphrates in northeastern Syria, arguing that the move constitutes a blatant violation of the international law and the Syrian sovereignty.
Turkey announces start of joint patrols with US military in Syria 'safe zone' Press TV 08 Sep 2019 -- The United States and Turkey have begun joint patrols as part of a plan to create a "safe zone" in the Arab country's northeast aimed at decreasing Ankara's tensions with Washington-backed Kurdish militants there.
Erdogan Reveals Turkey-US Disagreement at 'Every Step' on Syria Safe Zone Sputnik 08 Sep 2019 -- According to media reports, armed Turkish military vehicles crossed into northeast Syria on Sunday to begin planned joint US-Turkey patrols.
Turkey's Opposition Leader Faces 10 Years in Prison on Terror Charges VOA 07 Sep 2019 -- The leading figure from Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is facing almost 10 years in prison on terror charges.
US sent 30,000 trucks of arms to Kurds in northern Syria: Erdogan Press TV 07 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has again lambasted the United States for its offering of unwavering support to Kurds in northern Syria, saying Washington has been overgenerous to the Kurdish militants in the region.
Turkey Successfully Tests Next-Generation Concrete-Piercing Cruise Missile - Minister Sputnik 06 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has successfully conducted the first tests of its own SOM-B2 cruise missiles, which are capable of destroying concrete bunkers and fortifications, the minister of industry and technology said.
Turkey Plans to Start Joint Land Patrol with US in Syria's Safe Zone on 8 September Sputnik 06 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his intention to establish a 'safe zone' in northeast Syria together with the United States by the end of September.
Nuclear-armed states can't tell Turkey not to have nukes: Turkey Press TV 05 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says nuclear-armed states cannot forbid Ankara from acquiring nuclear weapons, amid a row with the US over Ankara's purchase of Russian military hardware.
Erdogan Says He Cannot Accept Other States' Claims That Turkey 'Can't' Have Nukes Sputnik 05 Sep 2019 -- The country is currently a signatory to two international treaties prohibiting it from developing and testing nuclear weapons. At the same time, two of Turkey's regional neighbours, Israel and Iran, are suspected of either possessing or developing such weapons, although no solid evidence proving this has ever been presented.
Erdogan: We may unleash refugee influx if EU, US don't provide more support Press TV 05 Sep 2019 -- Turkey's president says his country may be forced to stop preventing refugee flow into Europe if the European Union and the United States do not act to provide Ankara with more support towards retaining them.
Erdogan: Turkey Will Be 'Forced to Open Gates' for Syrian Refugees to Europe Unless Receives Global Support Sputnik 05 Sep 2019 -- Earlier this year, the Turkish president said that his country had spent $35 billion on hosting about 4 million Syrian refugees under a deal with the European Union, which he accused of failing to comply with the agreement.
Israeli Satellite Firm Claims to Have Published First Photos of Russian-Made S-400 in Turkey Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- Turkey has stuck to a 2017 loan agreement with Russia to purchase its S-400 air defence systems despite pressure from the US, which decided to suspend Ankara's participation in the international F-35 programme and threatened to remove it from the project by late March 2020. Russia completed the first part of the supply of S-400 components this July.
Syrian Opposition Suspects Turkey Helped US Strike Terrorist Facilities in Idlib Sputnik 04 Sep 2019 -- The recent US airstrike on Syria's Idlib province, the last stronghold of the terrorists and armed opposition in the country, was almost certainly performed with the help of Turkey, which provided coordinates for the strike, Mahmoud Afandi, the secretary of the Syrian opposition movement, Popular Diplomacy, stated.
Turkey Bracing for New Jihadi Threat VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Thousands of jihadis are set to seek sanctuary in Turkey with Damascus' forces laying siege to Idlib, the last Syrian rebel enclave. With Damascus determined to take control of all of Syria, analysts warn it's only a matter of time before Turkey faces an exodus of not only refugees, but also the arrival of extremist fighters, posing a significant security threat to the country.
Turkey May Purchase Additional Batch of Russia's S-400 if US Doesn't Sell Patriot Systems - FM Sputnik 02 Sep 2019 -- The Turkish Defence Ministry stated on 27 August that the second stage of deliveries of the S-400 air defence systems had begun, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noting that the deliveries would continue until the end of September.
Crisis Looms as Erdogan Targets Istanbul Mayor VOA 02 Sep 2019 -- A political storm is brewing between Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Erdogan continues to publically blast the opposition mayor with criticism.
Terror Charges Dropped Against Pro-Kurdish Leader VOA 02 Sep 2019 -- A court in Turkey has dropped terror charges against a prominent pro-Kurdish politician who has been jailed for more than two years, but authorities are still pursuing a separate case against him, which could keep him imprisoned.
Russia Hopes Su-35 and Su-57 Could Interest Turkey Amid F-35 Row With US Sputnik 01 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, after a visit to an air show in Russia, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that Turkey may opt to buy Russia's Su-57 fifth generation fighter, instead of the F-35, after the US kicked Ankara out of the programme earlier this year.

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September 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News