August 2020 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Russian, Turkish Military Hold First Joint Training in Syria Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- The Russian military police and the Turkish armed forces have conducted the first joint training in the Syrian province of Idlib, the deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich, said on Monday.
Turkish president lashes out at Greek, French leaders amid maritime row Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lashed at the leaders of France and Greece as tensions escalate between the NATO allies over oil and gas exploration in the disputed waters of the Mediterranean.
Greece plan to extend territorial waters could cause war: Turkey Press TV 30 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has warned against Greece's controversial plans to extend its territorial waters, saying the move could cause a war between the two nations, which already remain locked up in a dispute over energy resources in the Mediterranean sea.
Greek F-16s Intercept and Escort Out Several Turkish Fighters Invading Country's Airspace Sputnik 30 Aug 2020 -- This is not the first time over the past four weeks that the air forces of the two countries have scrambled jets to intercept each other's fighters for breaching borders. The incidents have intensified amid Ankara's recent decision to renew geological surveys in Cyprus offshore waters, despite protests from Athens.
Turkey reports 1,517 new COVID-19 cases, 265,515 in total Global Times 29 Aug 2020 -- Turkey confirmed 1,517 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, raising the total diagnosed patients to 265,515, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.
Turkey starts new drills in Mediterranean as tensions rise Press TV 29 Aug 2020 -- The Turkish military has launched fresh war games in the eastern Mediterranean region, as tensions between Ankara and Athens mount over maritime borders and gas drilling rights.
Turkey Launches Shooting Exercises in Eastern Mediterranean Amid Drilling Tensions With Greece Sputnik 29 Aug 2020 -- The development comes as Ankara is engaged in a bitter territorial dispute with Greece and Cyprus. The European Union has threatened to slap sanctions on Turkey if it continues with what Brussels has called "illegal drilling".
'Hypocritical': Turkey Scolds EU's Threat of Sanctions Over Tensions in East Mediterranean Sputnik 29 Aug 2020 -- Already fraught relations between Greece and Turkey worsened this month after Ankara dispatched its Oruc Reis oil and gas seismic survey vessel to a disputed area of Mediterranean Sea also claimed by Athens.
Two Turkish Soldiers Die in Clash With PKK Members, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 29 Aug 2020 -- Two Turkish soldiers were fatally wounded during an operation against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara considers a terrorist group, in the eastern Agri province near the border with Iran on Saturday, the Defence Ministry said.
Turkey uses drinking water as weapon of war against civilians in Syria's Hasakah: UN envoy Press TV 28 Aug 2020 -- Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari says Turkey uses drinking war as a weapon of war against ordinary people in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Greece says ready for conditional de-escalation with Turkey in Mediterranean Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Athens is ready for a "significant de-escalation" in the eastern Mediterranean if Turkey stops its "provocative actions" in the area.
Turkey to stage new naval drill, accuses France of bullying Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has announced new naval exercises near its shores after accusing France of "bullying" as escalating tensions between Ankara and Athens in the eastern Mediterranean Sea over gas and oil exploration risked turning into a military standoff.
Iraqi President Salih calls on Turkey to stop cross-border incursions, respect sovereignty Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih has called on Turkey to stop its ongoing operation in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region against hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, saying the cross-border offensive is violating Iraq's sovereignty.
US Criticizes Turkey for Hosting Hamas Leaders VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- The Trump administration says it strongly objects to Turkey's recent hosting of two leaders of Hamas, which the United States regards as a terrorist group.
Turkey's Erdogan warns Greece against taking 'path to ruin' Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey would not give up "what it deserves" in the Mediterranean Sea, warning Greece against making mistakes that would pave the way to its "ruin," as the two countries remain locked up in a dispute over energy resources in the sea.
Greek, Turkish Foreign Ministers Say They are Ready for Talks VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- Greece and Turkey say they are ready for talks to settle rival claims to an energy-rich section of the Mediterranean, but the hostility was clear when the foreign ministers of both countries called for dialogue Tuesday.
Turkey, US Conduct Joint Exercise in E.Mediterranean Amid Tensions With Greece Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- The navies of Turkey and the United States have conducted joint drills in the Eastern Mediterranean in parallel with the increased presence of the European navy in the area, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Turkey says conducted drills with US in eastern Mediterranean Press TV 26 Aug 2020 -- Turkey says it has conducted military drills with a US Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, amid a dispute with Greece over maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights.
Russia, Iran, Turkey Issue Joint Statement on Syria Condemning Israeli Attacks, US Theft of Oil Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- The statement was formulated on the sidelines of the meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, a United Nations-facilitated negotiating platform aimed at reconciling the Syrian government and the opposition and establishing an enduring peace in the war-torn country.
Two Civilians Killed in Turkish Drone Airstrike in Northern Iraq Sputnik 26 Aug 2020 -- Two civilians were killed in the result of an airstrike launched by a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle late on Tuesday on a car in the town of Khana Sor located in the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh, the official Security Media Cell has said.
President Erdogan's Meeting With Hamas Leadership US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2020 -- The United States strongly objects to Turkish President Erdogan hosting two Hamas leaders in Istanbul on August 22.
Joint Russia-Turkey Patrol Comes Under Fire in Idlib Sputnik 25 Aug 2020 -- Last week, the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation stated that Turkish troops were hit by an unidentified explosive device while patrolling a highway in Syria's Idlib.
Russia, Turkey agree on delivery of 2nd S-400 missile system regiment Global Times 24 Aug 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have signed a contract to deliver a second regiment of S-400 air defense systems to Turkey, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Sunday.
Syria condemns Turkish force's move to cut off drinking water in Hasakah Press TV 24 Aug 2020 -- The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has condemned in the strongest terms Turkish military forces' latest decision to cut off the drinking water supply in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Turkish military holds coordinated drills in Aegean Sea amid tensions Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- Turkish air and naval forces have carried out joint training exercises in the Aegean Sea, amid escalating tensions between Turkey and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean Sea over gas and oil exploration.
Russia, Turkey 'agree in principle' on 2nd batch of S-400 delivery despite US opposition Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- A senior Russian official says his country and Turkey have agreed in principle on the second shipment of Russian advanced S-400 missile defense systems despite strong opposition from the United States.
Turkey Holds War Games Involving F-16 Jets in Aegean Sea Amid Tensions With Neighbouring Greece Sputnik 23 Aug 2020 -- The announcement by the Turkish defence ministry came as Ankara and Athens continue to argue over gas and oil exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkish-Discovered New Black Sea Gas Reserve Valued at $65 Billion, Energy Minister Says Sputnik 22 Aug 2020 -- The approximate value of the large gas reserve in the Black Sea which Turkey said it discovered earlier in the day is $65 billion, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Friday.
Syria calls on UN to end Hasakah water supply cut by Turkish forces Press TV 22 Aug 2020 -- Syria has appealed to the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres to intervene immediately and to utilize all available means in order to stop Turkish military forces' decision to cut off water supply for thousands of people in the Arab country's northeastern province of Hasakah.
US Warship in Crete as Greek-Turkish Standoff Grows VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- The massive American warship, the USS Hershel Woody Williams, has arrived at the Greek island of Crete as tensions escalate between NATO allies Greece and Turkey over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey Calls Natural Gas Discovery 'Historic Day' for Energy-Dependent Country VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday the discovery of a vast natural gas field in the Black Sea. With the prospect of long-term energy security, Erdogan is also vowing to step up energy exploration in Aegean and eastern Mediterranean waters that Greece says it controls.
Turkey discovers natural gas in Black Sea: President Global Times 21 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday said that Turkey has discovered significant natural gas reserves in the Black Sea.
Turkey announces discovery of large natural gas reserve in Black Sea Press TV 21 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has announced the discovery of a large natural gas reserve off its Black Sea coast, which could ease the country's dependence on energy imports.
Turkish Drilling Ship Finds 320 Billion Cubic Metre Gas Field in Black Sea, Erdogan Says Sputnik 21 Aug 2020 -- Ankara has been engaged in a row with Greece over drilling in the Mediterranean since the research vessel Oruc Reis launched drilling ops to the south of Antalya and west of Cyprus in maritime territories claimed by Greece.
US Warship Arrives in Crete as Greece-Turkey Standoff Escalates VOA 19 Aug 2020 -- The massive American warship, the USS Hershel Woody Williams, has arrived in the Greek island of Crete, on a mission to keep an eye on escalating tensions between NATO allies Greece and Turkey over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean. The US vessel joins others from the European Union and Russia, raising concerns among some in Greece about what a military buildup could mean.
NATO Secretary General discusses eastern Mediterranean, Libya with Foreign Minister of Turkey NATO 19 Aug 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke by telephone with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevl�t �avusoglu on Wednesday (19 August 2020). They discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as in Libya.
Report: Turkey, Qatar, Libya agree to establishment of Turkish base in Misrata Press TV 18 Aug 2020 -- Turkey, Qatar, and Libya's internationally-recognized government, known as the GNA, have allegedly signed a trilateral agreement on the establishment of a Turkish naval base in Misrata in northwestern Libya.
Police in Istanbul Detain Uyghurs in Rare Instance of Harassment by Turkish Authorities Radio Free Asia 18 Aug 2020 -- Authorities in Turkey's financial capital Istanbul harassed and briefly detained a group of Uyghurs who gathered on the city's iconic Taksim Square wearing T-shirts with images of missing relatives back home in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), group members said.
EU warns Turkey to 'immediately' stop gas exploration in eastern Mediterranean Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has warned Turkey to "immediately" stop its oil and gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean, after Ankara announced it was extending operations in the disputed waters off EU-member Cyprus.
Turkish-Russian Joint Patrol Hit By Blast In Northwest Syria RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- A Turkish military vehicle was damaged by an explosion during a joint patrol with Russian troops in northwest Syria's Idlib region, but there were no casualties.
Turkish Military Hit by Explosion During Joint Patrol With Russian Troops in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have been jointly patrolling the M4 highway in Syria, which connects the provinces of Latakia and Aleppo, since March.
Turkey, Qatar, Libya's GNA Agree to Establish Turkish Naval Base in Misrata - Reports Sputnik 17 Aug 2020 -- Turkey, Qatar, and Libya's Government of National Accord signed an agreement to establish a Turkish naval base in the Libyan city of Misrata, the Al-Arabiya TV channel reported citing sources.
PKK militants claim to have shot down Turkish helicopter in Iraq Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claims to have shot down a Turkish helicopter and damaged another in northern Iraq.
Turkey won't back down against sanctions, threats amid Mediterranean standoff: Erdogan Press TV 16 Aug 2020 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will never cave in to international threats and sanctions over its energy exploration in the waters of the eastern Mediterranean, which have been the subject of a territorial row between Turkey and Greece.
France Sends Forces to Mediterranean as Greece, Turkey Dispute Territory VOA 14 Aug 2020 -- France has ordered forces to the eastern Mediterranean to assist Greece, escalating a standoff between Greece and Turkey over oil drilling rights.
Turkey urges France to refrain from escalating Mediterranean tensions Press TV 14 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has urged France to refrain from escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, following the French government's announcement of a plan to increase military presence in the area in support of Ankara's regional rival Greece.
Erdogan: Greece's attack on Turkish ship in Mediterranean to incur 'heavy price' Press TV 14 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Greece against any attack on the country's vessel engaged in energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, amid Ankara's heightened tensions with Athens over oil and gas prospecting in disputed waters in the sea.
President Erdogan says Turkey could suspend ties with UAE in wake of deal with Israel Press TV 14 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara is considering the full suspension of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates following its accord to normalize ties with Israel.
Dialogue sole solution to dispute with Greece in eastern Mediterranean: Turkish president Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the only solution to Turkey's dispute with EU member Greece over Turkish oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean is through negotiation.
Greek-Turkish Frigates Incident 'First Response' to Athens in Mediterranean Row, Erdogan Says Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Greece got the "first response" from Turkey in the ongoing Mediterranean crisis, hinting at the recent incident between Russian and Greek frigates.
US Lawmakers Have Stonewalled Arms Sales to Turkey for Two Years Over S-400 Buy - Report Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- According to a report by Defense News, several US lawmakers in key positions have refused to sign off on any weapons sale to Turkey since it agreed to buy the S-400 air defense system from Russia in 2017 instead of the more expensive, US-made Patriot systems.
Iraq invokes diplomatic intervention against Turkish aggression Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- Iraq pleads for Arab intervention against Turkey's continued cross-border attacks and incursions against anti-Ankara militants that have cost the lives of two Iraqi commanders and many civilians.
Iraq: Turkish aggression endangers national security, regional stability Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- The Iraqi National Security Council has denounced a recent deadly drone strike by Turkey on the Arab country as a violation of good neighborly principles, saying the aggression poses a threat to Iraq's national security as well as regional stability.
Three Rockets Strike Iraq's Balad Air Base, No Casualties Reported Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- Multiple rockets fired from a mobile launcher landed inside Balad Air Base in Salah ad-Din Governorate, Iraq, on Thursday evening.
France to bolster military presence in Mediterranean amid tensions with Turkey Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- France has planned to increase military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, amid rising tensions between Turkey and European Union (EU) member Greece over Turkish oil and gas exploration in disputed waters in the sea.
Turkey interested in dialogue with Greece on gas exploration in eastern Mediterranean: Minister Press TV 12 Aug 2020 -- Turkey's Defense Minister says his country is interested in resolving a dispute with Greece over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean through dialogue.
Iraq cancels Turkish defense minister's visit, summons envoy over deadly drone strike Press TV 12 Aug 2020 -- Iraq has canceled an official visit by Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and summoned Ankara's ambassador to Baghdad following a drone strike that killed two high-ranking Iraqi commanders in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Iraq slams Turkish drone strike against Kurdistan region Press TV 11 Aug 2020 -- Iraq has vehemently denounced Turkey's recent drone strike that killed two Iraqi border guards and a companion in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Greece to call emergency EU meeting on tensions with Turkey Press TV 11 Aug 2020 -- Greece is set to call an emergency meeting of the European Union (EU) foreign ministers to discuss its growing dispute with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.
Tensions with Greece reignite as Turkey holds military drills, resumes energy exploration Press TV 11 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has launched naval exercises off two Greek islands and announced resumption of its energy exploration research activity in the disputed area, as territorial tensions escalate in the eastern Mediterranean.
Two high-ranking border guards killed in Turkish drone strike against Iraq's Kurdistan region Press TV 11 Aug 2020 -- Two high-ranking Iraqi border guards have lost their lives when a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle launched an attack in the country's Kurdistan region, where Ankara has been targeting the hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group.
'We Won't Accept Blackmail': Greece Calls on Turkey to Stop 'Illegal Actions' in Mediterranean Sputnik 10 Aug 2020 -- On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ankara had restarted gas drilling operations in a disputed area of the Mediterranean, and accused Athens of failing to keep its promises on possible talks after the announcement of a Greek-Egyptian maritime exclusive economic zone.
Erdogan says Turkey becomes 3rd to develop COVID-19 vaccines People's Daily 10 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey has become the third country to develop vaccines locally against COVID-19 after the United States and China according to the World Health Organization.
Tensions Escalate Over Turkish Drilling Plans in East Mediterranean VOA 10 Aug 2020 -- Greece's entire armed forces are on emergency alert Monday following Turkey's decision to send a vessel to explore potential drilling sites off the coast of two Greek islands in the southeast Aegean Sea. The escalation comes after Greece and Egypt signed a maritime deal blocking Turkish access to the Eastern Mediterranean – a move that has enraged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leading him to flex his country's muscle in a long-running territorial tussle.
Re-imposing curfew against pandemic not on Turkey's agenda: minister Global Times 07 Aug 2020 -- The Turkish government does not consider re-imposing curfews, the country's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Thursday, while the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has recorded a rapid increase in the last week.
Turkey's Erdogan denounces Greece-Egypt maritime deal as 'worthless' Press TV 07 Aug 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced a maritime deal between Greece and Egypt in the eastern Mediterranean as "worthless," saying his country will resume its controversial oil and gas exploration in the area.
Greece-Egypt Maritime Deal Aimed at Stemming Turkish Designs in Eastern Mediterranean VOA 07 Aug 2020 -- The Greek government is hailing a deal reached with Egypt on Thursday establishing an exclusive economic zone for oil and gas rights as a major success, claiming it counters growing Turkish influence in the region as Ankara prepares to issue new oil exploration licenses that have been sharply criticized by Greece, the European Union and Washington.
Greece Ready to Go to The Hague Court Only Over Maritime Zones Delineation With Turkey Sputnik 06 Aug 2020 -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the delineation of maritime zones and exclusive economic zone is the only disputed issue in relations with Turkey, adding that Athens is ready to settle this disagreement in the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
Turkey says oil deal between SDF, US firm amounts to 'financing of terrorism' Press TV 03 Aug 2020 -- Turkey has denounced a deal recently signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and an American company aimed at stealing oil in northeastern Syria, describing it as equivalent to 'financing of terrorism'.
Turkey, UAE clash over Libya conflict, trade accusations of interference Press TV 02 Aug 2020 -- A war of words has escalated between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Libya, where the two states support opposing sides in the African country's long-running conflict.
Turkish, Iraqi presidents reiterate resolve to maintain strong ties with Iran Press TV 01 Aug 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani has expressed Iran's determination to enhance friendly relations with neighboring Turkey in all fields despite cruel US sanctions on the Iranian people.

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August 2020 - Turkey Special Weapons News