Today, Chief of Staff İlker Başbuğ gave an explanation regarding the critiques about the Aktütün assault by the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) that had resulted in the death of 17 soldiers.
Using a harsh tone, Başbuğ attacked the media in his speech.
Başbuğ: Those who leaked the information will be punished
According to Başbuğ, “The incident that took place at Bayraktepe was practically a suicide attack by the separatist terrorist organization. Please read about this. And this was a story of heroism for our soldiers.”
“The task of investigating the incident was given, right after it was over, to the 2nd Army Commander. The public will be informed of the results, when the investigation is completed.”
Threatening the media
The media has been questioning the location of the military post that was assaulted by the PKK, why this disadvantageous position was not changed, and how the assault was carried when the army had been saying that the intelligence flow about the movements of the PKK was very good.
The latest critique came by daily Taraf just yesterday (October 14) as it published the gendarmerie report about the incident. According to Taraf, the intelligence about the ambush was not taken into consideration. Taraf also had the images taken by the unmanned aerial vehicles published.
Without naming anyone, Başbuğ said, “The confidence of the Turkish Armed Forces in itself is complete. Those who leaked this information, those who used classified information will be punished. Those who show the separatist terrorist organization victorious are responsible for the blood that was shed.The systematic attacks in the recent days will only increase the strength, resolve and determination of the Turkish Armed Forces. I invite everyone to be careful, to be on the right side. ”
Çongar: He did not answer the questions about which the public has been wondering
Yasemin Çongar of Taraf, with whom the NTV discussed the subject, said, “He was harsh. This is sad for the General Staff. They did not answer the questions about which the pubic has been wondering. Soldiers died in Aktütün. It was a sad incident for everyone. It is good that they have launched an investigation, but the outcome should be shared with the public. Is it true tat the General Staff knew about the Aktütün ambush and if it is true, then why did they not take action?”
“The statements like ‘those who find the terrorist organization successful are responsible for the blood that was shed’ and giving orders about what side people should be on are bothersome.”
“We publish the information that we receive as long as we are certain of its content and find public use in it and we will continue doing it.” (EZÖ/TB)
