Turkey, Iraq keep defense and security cooperation ongoing

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that defence and security cooperation with Iraq continues without interruption. Joint border‑security mechanisms and anti‑terrorism operations remain fully active, with coordinated efforts to detect and destroy mines, improvised explosives and shelters.

In the latest reporting period, 468 individuals attempting illegal border crossings were arrested and 102 were prevented from crossing. Since 1 January, a total of 6,953 people have been detained and 43,878 have been stopped at the frontier. The ministry highlighted the recent visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister to Turkey and meetings hosted by the Turkish President, which led to new agreements reinforcing the bilateral security partnership.

The statement also noted that, under the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement programme, Turkish aircrew will begin training in the United Kingdom in August 2026.