Before the NATO Summit in Ankara, the National Intelligence Academy published a report titled “Ankara Summit, NATO 3.0 Discussions and Turkey” in order to evaluate NATO’s changing security architecture, NATO 3.0 discussions and Türkiye’s strategic role in the alliance.

The report discussed the new challenges faced by NATO within the framework of the transformation in the international security environment and the strategic importance of the Ankara Summit for the future of the alliance. The report comprehensively evaluated how NATO will adapt to the new security paradigm, the topics around which NATO 3.0 discussions are shaped, and the role that Türkiye can assume in this process. The report stated that the international security paradigm has moved away from the relatively predictable structure of the post-Cold War and evolved into a new competitive environment that is multi-axis, hybrid and contains high uncertainty. It was stated that the toughening of great power competition, the technological and economic rise of China, and the military and geopolitical fractures caused by the Russia-Ukraine and US/Israel-Iran wars have radically changed the understanding of security. It was emphasized that the most important result of this transformation is that security can no longer be defined solely in terms of military capacity and border defense.
The report noted that in the new security environment, threats have diversified in terms of geography, subject and actor, and military, economic, technological and social dimensions have transformed into an integrated security architecture that is not separated from each other. In this context, it was stated that hybrid threats have become permanent tools of power competition, while cyber attacks, disinformation, energy pressure and sabotage against critical infrastructures produce strategic results. In line with these developments, it was emphasized that mental security and social resilience have become integral elements of national and collective security.

THE NEW SECURITY ARCHITECTURE IS BEING SHAPED BY NATO 3.0

The report covers the historical development of NATO; The collective defense understanding of the Cold War period was discussed within the framework of the NATO 2.0 period, in which crisis management and out-of-area operations came to the fore, and NATO 3.0, which is at the center of discussions today. It was stated that this periodization does not represent the official classification of NATO, but an analytical framework to make sense of the changing threat perception and strategic priorities. The report stated that NATO’s historical success stems from its ability to produce new concepts and mechanisms for changing security conditions while preserving its basic founding principles.
It was stated that the concept of collective defense has regained a central position in the NATO 3.0 period, and it was noted that the security architecture is not limited to land, air and sea areas. While it was stated that cyberspace, space, electromagnetic spectrum and mental space have become integral parts of the modern security architecture, it was emphasized that collective deterrence and resilience are evaluated with an integrated understanding ranging from the defense industry to cyber security, from air and missile defense to critical infrastructure, from artificial intelligence to social resistance capacity.

STRATEGIC AUTONOMY IS AT THE CENTER OF NATO 3.0 DISCUSSIONS

The report stated that the burden-sharing debate within NATO is no longer carried out solely on defense budgets. It was noted that the discussion turned into questions of which ally would develop which capability against which threat, to what extent they would make this capacity sustainable, and what responsibility they would assume in times of crisis. In this context, it was stated that “burden sharing” and “burden shifting” approaches came to the fore within the scope of NATO 3.0, and that a new distribution of responsibilities in European security became inevitable as the USA directed its strategic priorities to the Asia-Pacific. The report emphasized that strategic autonomy is at the center of the NATO 3.0 discussion. It was stated that the national capacities that the Allies will develop in the fields of defense industry, technology, energy and critical infrastructure will strengthen the resilience of the alliance to the extent that they are compatible with the principles of joint planning and interoperability. It was noted that the success of NATO 3.0 depends on its ability to treat strategic autonomy and alliance commitment as complementary elements when managed correctly, rather than seeing them as opposing tendencies.

Türkiye IS A CRITICAL ALLY FOR NATO 3.0

The report stated that Türkiye is a strong and exceptional example of the ally profile required by NATO 3.0. It was stated that Türkiye, which can produce its own security, develop competence in critical technologies, combat hybrid threats and transform its strategic autonomy into Alliance capacity, has evolved from a reliable alliance to an actor that produces strategic added value. It was emphasized that this transformation made Türkiye one of the actors that actually tested and strengthened NATO’s transformation capacity.

It was stated that the most important factor that differentiates Türkiye’s role within NATO is its ability to read the security agendas of the eastern and southern wings simultaneously. To the eastern wing via Black Sea security, Russia-Ukraine balance and the Montreux regime; It was noted that Türkiye, which is stated to simultaneously contribute to the southern flank through the risks originating from Syria, Iraq, Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf and the Middle East, has produced the concrete equivalent of NATO’s 360-degree security approach in practice.

Türkiye’S DEFENSE AND INTELLIGENCE CAPACITY STANDED OUT

The report stated that Türkiye’s defense industry capacity directly overlaps with NATO’s production and sustainability agenda. It was stated that the capacity developed in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles, ammunition, electronic warfare, radar, naval and land systems, command-control and artificial intelligence-supported decision mechanisms has the potential to contribute to the total deterrence of the Alliance while strengthening national security. It was noted that Türkiye sets a critical example within NATO in terms of quality, quantity and sustainability integrity, defined as “three-dimensional depth” in the defense industry. It was stated that Türkiye’s operational experience, field knowledge in combating hybrid and asymmetric threats and multi-dimensional diplomatic capacity provide a significant strategic advantage in the new security environment. The report also stated that intelligence sharing and intelligence diplomacy have become one of the determining tools of inter-allied trust and crisis management, and it was emphasized that the operational capability of the National Intelligence Organization, which has strengthened in recent years, has further deepened Türkiye’s intelligence contribution to NATO.

ANKARA SUMMIT IS A CRITICAL THRESHOLD FOR NATO

The report stated that the Ankara summit is not only a meeting where current security crises will be evaluated, but also a critical turning point that will reveal what kind of institutional and strategic response NATO will give to the new security paradigm. It was noted that defense expenditures, production capacity, US-European division of labor, security priorities of the eastern and southern wings, artificial intelligence, cyber security, space security and new generation technologies constitute the main agenda topics of NATO 3.0 discussions. The report stated that the discussions on defense expenditures gained a new dimension with the 5 percent of GDP target accepted at the Hague Summit, and that the main issue was in line with which strategic priorities the allocated resources would be used. Drawing attention to the needs created by the Russia-Ukraine war in the fields of defense industry production capacity, ammunition, air defense and logistics, it was emphasized that the main test of NATO will be whether it can be an alliance that can transform these resources into effective capabilities rather than allocating more resources. In this context, it was noted that the importance of the “three-dimensional depth” approach in the defense industry is increasing day by day.

The report also stated that the understanding of deterrence and resilience in the new security environment has also transformed, and that energy infrastructures, communication networks, financial systems, public opinion and social psychology have become the basic elements of security. In this regard, it was evaluated that the adoption of the “total resilience” approach as a founding security concept would be decisive in terms of NATO’s ability to produce a permanent strategic impact in the new period.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ANKARA SUMMIT FOR Türkiye

The report stated that the meaning of the Ankara summit for Türkiye goes beyond hosting. While it is stated that Türkiye is one of the important actors that can contribute to the shaping of the strategic framework of NATO’s new security approach; It was noted that the priority topics include reflecting the 360-degree security approach more strongly in NATO planning processes, institutionalizing defense industry cooperation and strengthening allied solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The report stated that deepening the hybrid threats and resilience agenda is also important, and that Türkiye has a background that can make a strong contribution to NATO’s resilience capacity with its experience in areas such as disinformation, cyber threats, critical infrastructure security, instrumentalization of irregular migration and mental threats. As a result, the report emphasized that the permanent meaning of the Ankara summit will be determined by the harmony that will be produced among the allies on these topics. It was noted that NATO can continue to exist as an effective and reliable alliance in the new era to the extent that it can link defense expenditures with capacity production, redefine the US-European division of labor without creating a deterrence gap, establish a more balanced understanding of security between the eastern and southern wings, and move resilience to the center of collective defense.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül shared Istanbul’s safety data for the first six months of 2026 with the public at the Safety Data Evaluation Meeting held at the Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate (AFAD) Campus. Governor Gül was accompanied by Deputy Governor Nail Anlar, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Lieutenant General Yusuf Kenan Topcu, Provincial Police Chief Selami Yıldız and Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Commander Rear Admiral Serkan Tezel.

OPERATIONS INCREASED AND THE NUMBER OF CRIME DECREASED

While there were remarkable increases in terrorism, organized crime, smuggling and public order operations, a significant decrease was recorded in many types of crimes.

TERRORIST OPERATIONS INCREASED BY 51 PERCENT

The number of operations against terrorist organizations in Istanbul in the first six months of the year increased by 51 percent compared to the same period last year. While 2,954 suspects were caught during the operations, 619 of them were arrested. Judicial control measures were imposed on 434 people.

DECLINE IN PUBLIC CRIMES

Compared to the same period last year, auto theft decreased by 39 percent, purse snatching by 44 percent, pickpocketing by 26 percent and auto theft by 49 percent. As part of the fight against unlicensed weapons, 8 thousand 8 weapons have been seized and 6 thousand 725 people have been captured since the beginning of the year.

SHOOTING INCIDENTS DECREASED BY 53 PERCENT

84 criminal organizations were destroyed in operations against organized crime organizations. While 2,135 suspects were caught during the operations, 1,356 of them were arrested. Approximately 58 billion lira worth of assets were confiscated. 1,829 social media accounts used by criminal organizations for propaganda and recruitment purposes were also closed. Shooting incidents decreased by 53 percent compared to last year.

53.5 MILLION LIRA FINE FOR DAILY RENTAL HOUSES

During the inspections of unregistered daily rental houses, 309 houses were detected in the first six months of the year. A total of 53.5 million lira administrative fines were imposed on these addresses.

TAX LOSS PREVENTED DURING SMUGGLING

The number of people caught in smuggling operations increased by 9 percent, and the number of people arrested increased by 117 percent. While the tax loss prevented by the seized smuggled products doubled, the amount of smuggled fuel seized increased by 16 percent, reaching approximately 1 million 700 thousand liters.

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY MOTORCYCLES

Although traffic inspections in Istanbul increased by 4 percent to 9 million 800 thousand, there was an increase in fatal and injured accidents and loss of life. According to safety data, 63 percent of these accidents were caused by motorcycles and mopeds.

FORESTS ARE MONITORED 24/7

While the forests are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the air and on the ground, 179 teams and 1,025 personnel are on duty to prevent drowning cases on the coast and beaches.

“WE WILL NOT ALLOW TERROR AND CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS”

In his statement, Governor Gül emphasized that the fight against terrorist and criminal organizations will continue with determination: “We will continue our fight without tolerating any dark structure or terrorist organization that threatens the peace of our citizens. With God’s permission, with the support and prayers of our nation, we will end all kinds of terrorism. I emphasize this: We will not allow criminal organizations and the dark structures that feed them.”

Türk Telekom, the pioneer of Türkiye’s digital transformation, continues to direct the digitalization process of public institutions with its strong infrastructure, advanced technology know-how and contribution of its domestic subsidiaries. Within the scope of the cooperation between Türk Telekom and the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey, it is aimed to increase efficiency by managing administrative works in public services with integrated digital processes and to become one of the important examples of the digital state approach. In this context, ACEP, developed with the engineering competencies of Türk Telekom Group company İnnova Bilişim, has been implemented entirely with domestic resources, from its technical infrastructure to its financing model, and continues to be widespread in penal institutions and developed with new technologies. In line with the digitalization vision of public institutions, a new cooperation protocol was signed between Türk Telekom and the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey.

Çelebi Yılmaz, General Director of Prisons and Detention Houses, said, “Our penal execution system is built on a modern execution approach that aims not only to deprive convicts of their freedom but also to reintegrate them into society. Rehabilitation, education and rehabilitation activities are at the center of our execution services; we believe that the most effective way to protect society from crime is to produce permanent solutions that will prevent the individual from committing crime again. In line with this understanding, the Turkish penal execution system has been developing a comprehensive approach on the axis of physical infrastructure, human resources and digital transformation for more than twenty years.” Within the scope of digital transformation, which constitutes the new link of our modern understanding of execution, it has become possible for convicts and detainees to have video calls with their families, to benefit from e-Doctor services, to communicate directly with our Ministry and to access digital canteen and payment services, thanks to the strong cooperation we have with Türk Telekom. ACEP, which is used in 200 penal institutions today, makes significant contributions to the more effective, transparent and human-oriented provision of prison services. “We aim to further advance the security, rehabilitation services and digital capacity of our penal institutions by utilizing big data and new generation digital technologies with the protocol. It is planned to announce the advantageous tariff packages created by Türk Telekom for our prison staff soon. I believe that this strategic cooperation with Türk Telekom will contribute to the digital transformation vision in the public sector and lead to the more effective use of domestic and national technologies in public services.”

“WE ARE TAKING A PIONEERING ROLE IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC”

Türk Telekom CEO Ebubekir Şahin said, “As an organization leading Türkiye’s digital transformation, we see the provision of public services in a modern, fast and uninterrupted manner among our main priorities. We continue to contribute to our country’s ‘Digital Turkey’ target and increase efficiency in business processes by strengthening the infrastructure of our public institutions with up-to-date technologies. ACEP, which we carry out together with our Ministry of Justice, is an important example showing how technology can have a transformative effect on public administration. Thanks to this system developed by İnnova with its domestic engineering power, the public sector “We have established a digital infrastructure by increasing efficiency in management. The new cooperation protocol for artificial intelligence and digital transformation with the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey constitutes concrete examples of a holistic approach. As Türk Telekom, we will continue to contribute to the public digitalization process and create value for our country and society with our fiber infrastructure and domestic technology solutions.”

Tension arose at the 61st hearing of the corruption and bribery case at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, where former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality President Ekrem İmamoğlu from CHP was tried as the “leader of the İmamoğlu Self-motivated Criminal Organization”. After the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court panel announced that they would finish the defenses on July 9, İmamoğlu tried to negotiate with the president of the court, but could not find what he expected. Speaking at the hearing, İmamoğlu stated to the court president that it seemed impossible for the hearing to end on July 9. The president of the court said that they made an evaluation on this issue with the delegation and said, “We have determined a calendar and we are implementing it. After the defense of İmamoğlu İnşaat General Manager Tuncay Yılmaz, we will continue with Mr. Ekrem and complete it on the 9th. There is no rule that the detained defendants will end in the first hearing. If necessary, we will hold a hearing, but we will close it on the 9th.”

‘YOU ARE INTERVENING FROM YOUR PLACE’
When the defendant İmamoğlu reacted by asking the reason for the date of July 9, the president of the court said, “Mr. Ekrem, do not drag the matter to other places. We have set a calendar and we are implementing it.” The court president said to İmamoğlu, who continued his reaction, “You are constantly intervening by sitting in your seat. I will have to take you out of the courtroom.” As İmamoğlu and the lawyers continued their reactions, the court president decided to remove İmamoğlu from the courtroom on the grounds that he disrupted the order of the hearing. This situation was objected to for a while, and then İmamoğlu and some of the defendants were taken out of the hall accompanied by the gendarmerie.

‘YOU CANNOT BE A CLONGER HERE’
Thereupon, CHP Diyarbakır Deputy Sezgin Tanrıkulu, who was in the audience, called out to the court president, “Review your decision,” while CHP Deputy Suat Özçağdaş, wagging his finger at the court president, said, “I’m asking you! Did you or the bailiff decide to take him out of the courtroom?” he shouted. The presiding judge said, “No one can shout here, you have no right to ask me questions. You cannot engage in any kind of clowning here just because you are a member of parliament. The person who claims to be a member of parliament should also be removed from the courtroom.”

K9 (Dog) Training and Disaster Response Unit, equipped by Türkiye, supports search and rescue efforts in the earthquake that occurred in Venezuela. K9 Training and Disaster Response Unit is running from one wreckage to another in the city of La Guaira, which was most affected by the earthquake in Venezuela and where widespread destruction occurred, with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) sign on their backs and the message “From the hearts of the Turkish people” on their cars.

7 DAYS OF MOURNING WAS DECLARED

Coordinator of the Unit, Marcos Sequera, stated that they served in Türkiye after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes and said, “As a result of what we did in Türkiye in 2023 and the relations between Venezuela and Turkey, we were provided with equipment to strengthen our intervention capacity. We received uniforms, helmets and 2 vehicles from TİKA to provide our transportation.” 2,295 people lost their lives due to consecutive earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela on June 24. 7 days of mourning were declared in the country. Meanwhile, on the 8th day of the earthquake, security guard Hernan Alberto Gil Flores (44) was rescued from his injuries.

The fraud gang called SA and DA, a 70-year-old retired couple living in Bursa’s Mudanya district, with open lines they obtained from abroad, and said that many phone lines and bank accounts were opened in their names and that these accounts were used by terrorist organizations. He frightened and directed the victim couple with the lie, “We will cooperate with you. We will search your home and examine your jewelry for fingerprints.” With this method, the suspects received foreign currency and jewelery worth approximately 4 million 250 thousand liras. Not content with this, the gang spent approximately 7 million 600 thousand lira through front companies using the credit cards of the victims. The fraudsters sold 7 properties registered to the couple well below their real value and defrauded the elderly couple of 100 million TL for 3 months.

THEY SCAMMED AND OFFERED DESSERT
In order to prevent the crime from being discovered, the fraudsters sent personnel to the house to delete the messages and all digital evidence on the victims’ phones. At the end of 3 months, the gang members offered sweets to the old couple and gave them a new mobile phone, saying “The operation has been completed, be safe.” Meanwhile, the fraudster deleted all applications, banking transactions and messages on the old phone used by the couple, eliminated digital evidence and left the house. An investigation was launched upon the application of the couple, who realized that they had been defrauded. In the investigation carried out by Bursa Provincial Police Department Public Order Branch Directorate Fraud Bureau teams under the coordination of Mudanya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it was determined that the first calls were made from abroad. Within the scope of technical surveillance, 70 hours of footage from 40 different security cameras were examined and the identities of the suspects were determined one by one.

6 WERE ARRESTED
14 suspects were detained in simultaneous operations held in Bursa, Istanbul, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, Rize, Artvin, Aydın, Konya and Sarp Border Gate. While a large amount of digital material was seized during the searches carried out at the suspects’ addresses, 3 vehicles believed to have been obtained from crime were also seized. 6 of the suspects who were referred to the courthouse were arrested and sent to prison. While a judicial control decision was made for 5 suspects, 3 people were released by the prosecutor’s office. It was learned that 3 suspects who were determined to be involved in the incident within the scope of the investigation were in prison for other crimes. It was learned that the victim elderly couple has not yet received their money back, there may be other victims defrauded by gang members, and the investigation into the matter is ongoing.