President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has asked the parliament to approve a two-year extension of the Armed Forces’ mandate to operate on Turkish soil within Syria and Iraq, a move reported by TRT, Turkey’s state broadcaster. The step comes as the current authorization to conduct cross-border operations in those neighboring countries is set to expire on October 29, prompting a formal request to extend the authority and sustain cross-border security operations in the region.
According to the submitted document, extending the term of office would involve taking all necessary measures in line with international law to counter separatist movements, terrorism, and other security threats that could impact Turkey’s national security. The text emphasizes a broader objective of preventing attacks from terrorist organizations operating in Iraq and Syria, outlining that these measures are aimed at safeguarding the Turkish state against hostile actions emanating from the region. The extension would also cover cross-border transactions and related security duties that accompany ongoing regional deployments.
Historically, Turkey has continued military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization. The renewed extension would likely signal a more assertive posture and a tougher operational stance as Ankara seeks to deter and degrade threats it perceives as threats to its territory and citizens across its southern borders.
Earlier, on October 1, a terrorist attack occurred near the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Ankara, resulting in injuries to two police officers. Reports indicate that one attacker detonated an explosive device while another assailant was neutralized, with gunfire preceding the blast. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Turkish authorities and the perceived need for continued cross-border counterterrorism capabilities in the region.
In recent public statements, Erdoğan indicated that Turkish Armed Forces could resume more active operations near the country’s southern border if the parliamentary extension is approved, signaling a readiness to intensify efforts against threats perceived as emanating from Syria and adjacent areas. This stance reflects Turkey’s broader security strategy, which prioritizes rapid response and sustained pressure on groups deemed hostile to national security, as well as the stabilization of border regions that have been affected by regional instability and terrorist networks.