Politics
Turkish police capture ex-chief linked to multiple FETÖ cases
Former police chief Hayati Başdağ, who is wanted in multiple cases linked to the outlawed Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), was detained in Istanbul and later jailed pending trial, Turkish authorities announced Tuesday.
The Istanbul Police Department’s counterterrorism and intelligence units, working under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, located Başdağ in the city’s Fatih district and captured him in an operation, authorities said.
Başdağ, a former police chief dismissed from public service as part of an FETÖ investigation, was previously arrested in 2014 and released in 2020, according to the court records cited by officials.
Authorities said arrest warrants had been issued for Başdağ by courts in Ankara and Istanbul on charges including membership in an armed terrorist organization and unlawfully recording personal data.
Investigators also alleged that Başdağ used ByLock, an encrypted messaging application used by FETÖ members, and that he took part in the terrorist group’s alleged network within the Police Academy.
Testimony in the case further described him as a person who received rank directly from FETÖ leader Fethullah Gülen, authorities unrevealed.
The group, which is designated as a terrorist group by Türkiye and led by U.S.-based deceased Gülen, is accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye that killed 251 people and injured nearly 2,200.
Başdağ is also among the defendants in several high-profile FETÖ-linked cases, including alleged illegal wiretapping and espionage, the Tahsiye case, and a tape conspiracy targeting former opposition leaders.
The Tahşiye group is known to be a branch of the Nur Movement. The group and its leader, Mehmet Doğan, a former imam, are known for their opposition to FETÖ and have a firmer stance against interfaith dialogue than other movements.
The group is also charged with recording and distributing over the internet sex tapes of former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal.
Others, mostly lawmakers from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), had also stepped down from their posts after their videos were published online.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is set to visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Friday for a series of meetings, project inspections and the signing of a natural gas pipeline agreement, according to the Turkish Presidency.
Yılmaz will begin his visit by attending a ceremony at Ercan Airport marking the delivery of a firefighting helicopter to the TRNC. He is also scheduled to hold a joint news conference with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.
During the visit, Yılmaz will meet with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman and inspect the Güzelyurt Cold Storage Integrated Facilities project before visiting the Güzelyurt municipality building.
Türkiye and the TRNC are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a natural gas pipeline between the two sides.
Yılmaz’s program will conclude with visits to the AK Party’s TRNC representative office and the construction site of the new Nicosia (Lefkoşa) State Hospital.
During his previous visit to the TRNC, Yılmaz emphasized that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye continues to stand by the Turkish Cypriots in all areas – from education and health care to transportation, infrastructure, energy and agriculture. Yılmaz noted that Türkiye-TRNC cooperation includes sharing expertise in public services, coordination during natural disasters and the provision of equipment and vehicles. “Under the spirit of Türkiye-TRNC cooperation, we are putting 29 new vehicles into service today – 24 service vehicles and five fire trucks,” he said. “Of the 24 police service vehicles we donated, 12 were supplied under the Financial Support Program.”
On Feb. 12, Üstel also visited Yılmaz in Ankara. The vice president described the talks as productive and said work is underway on a new economic and financial cooperation framework.
“Our aim is clear. We want to carry the TRNC toward a more prosperous and stronger future,” Yılmaz said.
He stressed that ties between Türkiye and the TRNC are “not ordinary relations between two countries,” adding that Türkiye, as a guarantor state, “will continue to stand by the TRNC.”
The TRNC was founded in 1983. The country is fully recognized only by Türkiye, which does not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration in the south.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday hailed a successful Ankara summit for laying the “foundation of a stronger NATO.”
He described it as a “historic” gathering that will help shape the alliance’s future at a time of heightened security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic region.
“We have successfully concluded our NATO summit, which we hosted in our country for the second time in 22 years and for the first time in our capital, Ankara,” Erdoğan said at a news conference following the conclusion of the summit.
He said the meeting came at a critical moment for Euro-Atlantic security and would have lasting significance for the alliance.
“This historic summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, has been conducted in a manner that will shape our common future,” he said.
Erdoğan said Türkiye has had to contend with regional crises and terrorism for decades without benefiting from the post-Cold War “peace dividend” enjoyed by many European countries.
“There were times when we were left alone and treated unfairly. Therefore, we often had to rely on our own capabilities,” he said.
He noted that those efforts have enabled Türkiye to surpass many NATO allies in defense spending, military capabilities and the strength of its defense industry.
“Today, in terms of defense spending, military capabilities and the defense industry that underpins them, we are well ahead of many allies,” Erdoğan said.
The president added that NATO leaders reviewed the implementation of commitments made at last year’s summit in The Hague and reaffirmed Türkiye’s plans to further increase its contributions to the alliance.
Türkiye’s role in NATO
Highlighting Türkiye’s military role within NATO, Erdoğan said the country commands the alliance’s second-largest land force and has long served as the cornerstone of security on NATO’s southeastern flank.
“We currently command NATO’s second-largest land army. For decades, the security of NATO’s southeastern flank has largely been entrusted to our country,” he said.
He said Türkiye remains among the leading contributors to NATO operations, missions and common funding, adding that Turkish F-16 fighter jets will be deployed to Estonia beginning in August as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission.
Erdoğan also said Türkiye will continue leading the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) until September 2026 and is scheduled to command the NATO Response Force in 2028-2029.
Highlighting Türkiye’s defense industry, Erdoğan said the country is among the few NATO members capable of producing its own fighter aircraft, tanks, naval vessels and air defense systems.
He added that Türkiye has become a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, naval drones and warship production while also supplying defense products to allied nations.
Erdoğan reiterated that EU defense initiatives should complement NATO, rather than duplicate its efforts.
“The European Union’s defense initiatives must complement NATO and avoid unnecessary duplication. I draw the attention of our allies and the EU leadership to this important point at every opportunity and in every forum,” he said.
Erdoğan also renewed his call for the removal of remaining restrictions on defense trade among NATO allies.
“Although some obstacles to defense industry trade among allies have decreased, they still exist. These restrictions must be removed as soon as possible, without conditions,” he said.
It is not clear whether it was the “gift” U.S. President Donald Trump had talked about earlier, but the United States inched closer to lifting Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions for Türkiye during the NATO summit held on Wednesday and Thursday.
It was a welcome development for the Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry on Thursday described the summit held in Ankara as a “historic gathering” where allies comprehensively addressed current security threats and evaluated strategic decisions aimed at strengthening the alliance’s collective deterrence and defense capabilities.
Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing at the Crescent-Star Joint Headquarters in Ankara, ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk said the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit was held within the framework of a “360-degree security approach.”
The spokesperson also welcomed Trump’s remarks on CAATSA sanctions with relief. “The summit was a historic gathering where the alliance’s current threats were comprehensively addressed, and strategic decisions aimed at strengthening collective deterrence and defense capabilities were evaluated,” Aktürk said.
He said the summit reinforced solidarity among allies, helped develop a shared vision for the evolving security environment and strengthened the common approach to security across the Euro-Atlantic region.
Referring to the Defense Industry Forum and the reception for NATO defense ministers hosted by Defense Minister Yaşar Güler on the sidelines of the summit, Aktürk said the events promoted joint production and technological cooperation among allies while showcasing Türkiye’s high technological capabilities, strong production capacity and innovative vision in the defense industry.
He said Türkiye would continue contributing to international peace, security and stability as a reliable and responsible NATO ally through its strong military, growing domestic defense industry, active defense diplomacy and multidimensional foreign policy.
On questions about Trump’s remarks on possible CAATSA sanctions relief during the NATO summit, the Defense Ministry said Türkiye “continues to make significant contributions to NATO’s deterrence and collective security as a strong and effective ally.”
Aktürk added: “We expect all explicit and implicit restrictions targeting our defense industry, including the CAATSA sanctions, which are incompatible with the spirit of alliance, to be lifted. In this context, we welcome the statements made by the U.S. president and favor an approach that strengthens mutual trust and solidarity among allies rather than restrictions.”
Responding to remarks by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opposing Türkiye’s potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, the ministry said Ankara supports resolving regional issues through constructive dialogue and good-neighborly relations, adding that avoiding rhetoric that could increase tensions would positively contribute to bilateral ties. Aktürk also stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) pose no threat to those who do not threaten Türkiye.
Aktürk said Güler held talks with his counterparts from Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, Hungary, Canada, Romania and Bulgaria on the sidelines of the NATO summit, focusing on defense cooperation, regional security and alliance priorities.
He said Güler also signed a declaration of intent on defense cooperation with Canada and an amendment expanding the mandate of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
He also signed, together with the defense ministers of Romania and Bulgaria, an amendment to a memorandum expanding the mandate of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea) to include the protection of the three countries’ critical undersea infrastructure in the Black Sea.
On July 8, Güler also joined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the NATO summit sessions and attended the president’s bilateral meetings with the leaders of France, Syria, Italy, Germany and the U.K.
The Crescent and Star compound, dubbed by the media as “Türkiye’s Pentagon,” was partially opened on the occasion of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital Ankara.
On Tuesday, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler hosted counterparts from NATO member states for a reception at the Star Section of the new headquarters, whose construction is still underway in other parts. The joint headquarters will bring together the land, air and naval force commands of the army, which were scattered in the past across the capital, although in close proximity.
“With its design inspired by the crescent and the star in Türkiye’s national flag, the Ay Yıldız Complex brings our entire defense and military command under one roof,” Güler said in his address at the reception, using the Turkish name of the complex.
“This new headquarters complex will be fully operational soon, and it will take its place among the largest military headquarters in the world. By bringing the General Staff and the Single Service Command headquarters together, we aim to increase our joint operation capability to the highest level and to gain maximum pace and efficiency through speeding up bureaucratic processes.
The security of the headquarters will be provided with top-level air and land defense measures within the context of the “Steel Dome” strategy and cutting-edge electronic safety systems,” he said.
Güler stated that the complex was equipped with smart and sustainable construction technologies to ensure uninterrupted communication, command and control under both crisis and conflict circumstances.
“Being more than just a modern headquarters facility, it stands as a physical symbol of Türkiye’s consolidated, agile and forward-looking defense posture. I am confident that this brand-new headquarters will be a place where the work will be carried out for the defense and security of both our country and the alliance as a whole,” the minister stated.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis avoided direct comment on the reinstatement of F-35 fighter jet sales to Türkiye by the U.S. but urged NATO to be sensitive to an “open threat of war.”
He was speaking on Wednesday right outside the Turkish president’s front door as he joined other leaders arriving for a key NATO summit. One day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump, after a warm welcome from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signaled that they would consider selling jets to Türkiye, seven years after a ban was imposed on the country. Trump has also pledged to lift the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions on Türkiye as he heaped praise on Erdoğan.
Mitsotakis, who held several talks in the past with Erdoğan for rapprochement between the two former foes, said the issue could be resolved through “good neighborly ties and cooperation” and expressed pleasure at visiting Ankara, adding that he favored improving relations between Türkiye and Greece. Yet, he also stated, “Sensitivities of all NATO allies should be taken into consideration against plans of Türkiye to expand its territorial waters.”
Ankara and Athens seek to improve relations after years of hostilities, but maritime jurisdictions remain a thorny issue. The countries, which came close to an all-out war in the 1990s over the Aegean Sea, remain vigilant, with Türkiye concentrating on developing a domestic defense industry. Greece relies on foreign partners to boost its defenses. Embracing the doctrine of being effective and powerful at sea, as its predecessor, the Ottomans, were, Türkiye in the past two decades has developed an independent defense industry capable of operating in open waters, thereby shifting geopolitical balances in its favor. The navy plays a critical role in ensuring the security of maritime trade routes in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea, promoting regional stability.
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler hosted his Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts on Wednesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, and the three countries signed a new memorandum for amending the regulations to expand their joint Black Sea mission. The new memorandum involves missions to protect critical infrastructure as well.
The three countries are littoral to the Black Sea, which has become a minefield in both senses of the word after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022. Stray naval mines have threatened maritime security for the countries, while the risk later escalated into stray drones and drone attacks by both sides of the conflict targeting vessels, sometimes far from their shores.
The Turkish-Romanian-Bulgarian task force has neutralized more than 150 mines floating in the Black Sea, and most of the work was done by Türkiye, whose maritime trade was threatened by the conflict. The new memorandum means the expansion of the mission to protect energy infrastructure, telecoms and undersea pipelines operated or owned by the three countries. All three have gas exploration or production projects in the Black Sea. Romania looks to become the European Union’s largest gas producer through its Neptun Deep offshore gas project.
The Black Sea is home to Türkiye’s largest-ever natural gas reserve, which the country has been gradually discovering since 2020. The Sakarya gas field is estimated to contain 710 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. It will meet approximately 30% of the nation’s annual gas needs once the production reaches total capacity. Last year, Türkiye announced a separate 75 bcm gas discovery in the Black Sea.
Güler met separately with Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinel Miruta and Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov in Ankara, and the three ministers later attended a working lunch with NATO defense ministers.
Also on Wednesday, Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana Toiu praised the strong partnership with Türkiye in safeguarding security in the Black Sea.
The work carried out together by Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye and Ukraine has, for example, made it possible to ensure the flow of grain in recent years, she told Anadolu Agency (AA) in an interview. She also noted the strong participation of Turkish companies in industrial infrastructure investment at the 2025 NATO Industry Forum held in Romania. Referring to her meetings with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, she said they consistently discuss Türkiye’s European perspective.
“The future we envision for Türkiye is focused on its European path,” she said.
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