Turkish military board convenes after military escalation with Russia

ANKARA

AA Photo

Turkey’s Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) convened on Nov. 26, at the helm of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu amid the crisis between Moscow and Ankara after the downing of a Russian SU-24 warplane due to an airspace violation on the Syrian frontier. 

The council, at its annual winter meeting, discussed developments on Turkey’s border with Syria, measures that have been taken on the border and upcoming plans, along with the routine agenda item of combat capacity, according to the Prime Ministry.

Members of the council, including Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, the defense minister, force commanders, army commanders, the gendarmerie forces commander, navy commanders and four star generals, participated at the top defense meeting, which is held twice a year.

The gathering came amid strain between Turkey and Russia and increasing attacks on Turkmens in Syria by Russian air strikes.

The council also met as Turkey and the U.S. are in talks ahead of a possible operation between Mare and Jerablus in northern Syria, aiming to create a “terror-free zone.”

In its winter gathering, the YAŞ typically discusses the military’s combat capacity.

It last convened for a regular meeting in August to decide on appointments and retirements in the top echelons of the Turkish Armed Forces.

The decisions of the YAŞ will be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and adopted after his approval.