UPDATE 2 - Türkiye’s Supreme Military Council convenes in capital Ankara

UPDATE ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Zafer Fatih Beyaz

ANKARA (AA) — Türkiye's Supreme Military Council on Thursday gathered at the presidential complex under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the capital Ankara.

The council promoted 23 generals and admirals to their next rank, while 77 colonels became generals and admirals, according to the decision text.

Also, the term of office of the Turkish Naval Forces commander Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu's term of office was extended by a year with a decision approved by the Turkish President Erdogan.

The closed-door meeting sets the agenda for Türkiye’s military and typically discusses promotions, dismissals, and other personnel decisions.

Before the meeting, the council members visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

Erdogan wrote in the mausoleum’s memorial book that, amid conflicts in its region, Türkiye stands out as a beacon of stability and peace, while also remembering Ataturk and his comrades-in-arms.

Erdogan said he is determined "to protect our homeland, our nation, our state and our national interests to the end by taking all necessary measures against the expansionist ambitions that have recently resurfaced."

"We will not give the opportunity to those who want to turn our region into a bloodbath, and we will continue to be a source of trust for our own citizens and our friends," the Turkish President added.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel in Istanbul