Ankara rejects claims 'SDF-affiliated foreign elements' will leave Syria and enter Türkiye

'Claims that foreign elements affiliated with SDF will leave Syria and that some of them will come to Türkiye do not reflect truth,' says Defense Ministry

The Turkish National Defense Ministry on Thursday rejected claims that "SDF-affiliated foreign elements" would leave Syria and that some of them would enter Türkiye. The ministry responded to questions from reporters following its weekly press briefing at the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul. The ministry said it was closely monitoring the dissolution process of SDF aimed at preserving Syria's territorial integrity and strengthening the principle of "one state, one army." "In this context, claims that foreign elements affiliated with SDF will leave Syria and that some of them will come to Türkiye do not reflect the truth," it said. “It is important that reports and comments on the matter other than our official statements not be given credence.”   Eurofighter pilots to begin flight training on Sept. 7, followed by 3-month instructor pilot training Regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the UK to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force Command, the ministry said pilot training began in August. "Our pilots, who have completed terminology training, are scheduled to begin flight training on Sept. 7, 2026. Following eight months of flight training, our pilots will also undergo three months of instructor pilot training. Our pilots will continue to be sent for these training programs in batches," it said.   Mecca Defense Alliance secretariat to be based in Saudi Arabia, with Pakistani secretary-general to serve first 3-year term Responding to questions about the scope and structure of the Mecca Defense Pact, the ministry said that the defense and foreign ministers and chiefs of general staff of Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia met in Istanbul on Aug. 31, 2026. The steps to establish a more institutional structure for cooperation under the alliance were discussed, and it was decided to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia, headed by a secretary-general, to administer the alliance's secretariat. "The post of secretary-general, which will rotate among the three countries, will initially be held for a three-year term by a secretary-general from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” said the ministry. The aim is to enhance interoperability through joint planning, training, and exercises in the military field, while strengthening joint production, technology development, and the sharing of expertise in the defense industry, it added. "These mechanisms are expected not only to strengthen the alliance's defense capacity and deterrence but also to contribute to regional peace and stability."