UPDATE - Türkiye neutralizes threats at source beyond its borders: President Erdogan

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye takes all necessary steps beyond its borders for its security, neutralizing threats at their source without seeking permission from anyone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

Speaking at an iftar program with families of martyrs at Cankaya Mansion in the capital Ankara, Erdogan said that significant progress has been made in efforts toward a “terror-free Türkiye.”

“Today, Türkiye takes all necessary steps not only within its borders but also beyond its borders for its security. Wherever there is a threat or danger, we neutralize it at its source without seeking permission from anyone,” Erdogan said.

“There has been a serious decrease in security risks directed at our country, both within and beyond our borders,” he said.

“In the terror-free Türkiye initiative we launched 16 months ago, we have made notable progress in a short time,” he added, noting a marked reduction in security risks targeting the country.

Referring to terrorism, Erdogan said: “We are determined to rid Türkiye forever of this scourge that has burned the hearts of our nation for nearly half a century.”

“For nearly half a century, this calamity has wounded our nation’s heart. God willing, we are determined to free Türkiye from it permanently,” he said.

He noted that thanks to operations by the armed forces and other security units, “we have significantly restricted the mobility of terrorist organizations.”

Erdogan said that in the defense industry, the country has reached a domestic production rate of around 80%, compared to a previous dependence of about 80% on foreign sources.

“Today, we can meet almost all our needs ourselves in nearly every field, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), armed UAVs, missiles, rockets, ships, helicopters and tanks,” he said.

“God willing, next in line will be fighter jets and aircraft carriers,” he added.

“Positive developments are also taking place in our neighbor Syria. An agreement was reached last month to resolve the issue in northern Syria without bloodshed, and the process toward full integration has begun,” Erdogan said.