CONTRIBUTION TO WAR ON TERRORISM

The recent terrorist attacks require NATO Alliance to improve its posture against terrorism. As a NATO member, Turkey is making a substantial contribution to NATO's efforts in the struggle against terrorism.

Afghanistan/INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF) OPERATION

1. Previous Activities:

a. Currently two different operations are being conducted in Afghanistan simultaneously: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Operation.

b. Operation Enduring Freedom has been conducted by the US-led coalition forces since 07 October 2001 as per UN Security Council Resolution 1368 dated 12 September 2001adopted upon the attacks on 11 September 2001. The aim of this operation is to conduct counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaida, Taliban and other opposing groups.

c. Turkey doesn't contribute to Operation Enduring Freedom.

d. ISAF Operation was launched on 16 January 2002 to provide security in and around Kabul and to support the Afghan Interim Government in accordance with Bonn Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1386. ISAF mandate does not include counter-terrorism operations.

e. At the outset, ISAF operation was conducted as a coalition operation with voluntary leadership. NATO took over ISAF Operation on 10 August 2003.

f. While ISAF area of responsibility was limited to Kabul at the beginning of the operation, with UN Security Council Resolution 1510 dated 18 October 2003, it was expanded to all of Afghanistan's territories. In this context, it was planned that within a timetable, ISAF would take over North, West, South and Eastern regions of Afghanistan as well as Kabul.

g. The expansion started in December 2003 and Regional Coordinator North was established under the leadership of Germany in 2004 and it encompassed 9 (nine) Northern Afghan Provinces. On 31 May 2005, Regional Coordinator West was established under the leadership of Italy, which included four more provinces located in the western part of Afghanistan. On 31 July 2006, Regional Command South started its mission in Southern Afghanistan under the leadership of United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands. On 05 October 2006, Regional Command East was established under the leadership of the USA.

h. On 06 August 2006, Regional Command Capital (RCC) was established in Kabul under the leadership of Turkey, France and Italy.

i. In parallel with ISAF missions, RCC provides assistance and support to the Afghan Government in its security and restructuring activities in the province of Kabul. Its mission does not include counter-terrorism activities. It also does not participate actively / directly in operations against illegal drug trafficking.

j. Turkey's Contributions to ISAF Operation up to date:

(1) In its resolution 722 dated 10 October 2001, Turkish Grand National Assembly, in accordance with Article 92 of the Turkish Constitution, has granted permission to the Government of Turkey to deploy Turkish Armed Forces to Afghanistan. To this end, a ministerial decree was issued in accordance with the Assembly Resolution.

(2) Turkey participated with a 300-man company-level force in the first phase of the operation under the leadership of the United Kingdom. She served as the lead nation between 20 June 2002 and 10 February 2003 (ISAF-II). In this phase, the Turkish contribution was increased to a battalion-level task force with approximately 1300 personnel. During this phase, Turkey ran the Kabul International Airport and the Multinational Headquarters, under the command of a Turkish major general, commanded 4800 personnel from 22 countries. In this period, Turkey contributed approximately 1.300 personnel to the Operation.

(3) Between February 2003 and August 2004 Turkey contributed 300 personnel to ISAF Operation (ISAF-III, IV and V). 3 helicopters to be used for medical evacuation and reconnaissance purposes were also assigned to the operation during the period of June 2004-August 2005 of ISAF VI and VII Operations

(4) Between 13 February and 04 August 2005, Turkey led ISAF for the second time. Turkish 3rd Corps, as a NATO Corps, led the ISAF-VII Operation, Turkish 28th Mechanized Infantry Brigade served as Kabul Multinational Brigade, and during the same period, Turkish Armed Forces ran the Kabul International Airport.

(5) Southeastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) , whose peacetime headquarters is located in Romania and in whose establishment Turkey played an active role, served as the Kabul Multinational Brigade between 06 February and 06 August 2006.

2. Current Activities:

a. Currently there are approximately 40,000 personnel from 37 countries participating in the ISAF Operation in Afghanistan.

b. Turkey has been assuming the leadership at Regional Command Capital for 8 months since 07 April 2007. For this period approximately 400 additional personnel for logistic and communication support were deployed to Afghanistan. Turkey contributes with about 1150 personnel to ISAF.

c. There is also one Albanian and one Azerbaijani platoon in the Turkish Contingent Command.

d. Wardak Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT):

Turkey established a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in November 2006 in the district center of Meydan Sehir in Wardak Province, approximately 40 km to the west of Kabul

Civilian and military personnel work together in Wardak PRT. Its mission includes:

• Improvement of administrative and judiciary system
• Training and increasing the capabilities of Afghan Police Force

Conducting activities aimed to develop and support infrastructure, public works and social support to improve the quality of life for local population.

Contribution to NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I).

Courses organized in Turkey for the Iraqi security personnel on internal security, the fight against trafficking in human beings, counter-mine, crowd control and explosive ordnance disposal.

Pledge of 100.000 Euros for the Travel and Subsistence Trust Fund of the NTM-I.

OPERATION ACTIVE ENDEAVOR (OAE) AND BLACK SEA HARMONY

1. Operation Active Endeavor

Operation Active Endeavor (OAE) in the Mediterranean Sea initiated soon after September 11 attacks. Participation in OAE since 2001. Currently 183 personnel and maritime assets are assigned to OAE.

Participation in Operation Active Endeavor, the first NATO operation within the framework of "collective defense" (Article 5) clause of the North Atlantic Treaty. Turkish Contribution to OAE with certain naval assets. A frigate assigned to Standing NRF Maritime Group (SNMG-2). A corvette, standing ready in "on call" position in Ä°zmir. Fuel-supply ship to give submarine support on limited periods since the beginning of the operation. Allied Naval Ships have intensively visited Aksaz Naval Base for logistical purpose by now. Provision of additional frigate when requested.

2. Blacksea Harmony

Aim:

To increase deterrence against illegal activities in the Black Sea with a view to providing more security and removal of concerns about the region. Totally in line with the aims and objectives of NATO's Operation Active Endeavor in the Mediterranean, and complementary to it, albeit being conducted by national assets in the Black Sea.

Since March 2004, including regular patrols with frigates and patrol boats in the Black Sea by the Turkish Naval Forces. Operation results regularly reported to NATO authorities through information sharing. Consultations among the littoral states to make contribution are going on.

This initiative; has a potential to be aligned with the future operations of BLACKSEAFOR: became the core of closer cooperation between NATO and the littoral states of the Black Sea.

TURKEY'S FIGHT AGAINST DRUG-TRAFFICKING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNTER-TERRORISM

Ratification of UN drug control treaties and conclusion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements with 66 different countries. Contribution to major international platforms such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the UNODC, the Paris Pact, and the Pompidou Group.

Turkey is a member of the Group of Major Donors of UNODC. Prominent Turkish experts working in important positions in international institutions dealing with drugs. Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) established in 2002 with the support of UNODC. So far, 902 law enforcement personnel from UN and 49 countries received training at TADOC. TADOC organizes seminars and training programs on illicit drugs and crime in cooperation with the United States, Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Canada. Participation in the Paris Pact aiming at identifying weaknesses in strategies and shortfalls in interdiction capacity along the trafficking routes from Afghanistan to Europe.

Organization of Expert Round Table for South Eastern Europe in Istanbul on 3-4 Oct 05 as a substantial step for regional cooperation in the South Eastern Europe. 6 training programs to be implemented for 102 Afghan law enforcement authorities in 2005-2006 in the context of Counter Narcotics Implementation Plan declared by AF President Hamid Karzai.

Information exchange and coordination at international level through different mechanisms, such as SECI, World Customs Organization, Balkan Route Data Collection and Dissemination System, Operation Topaz. Narcotics and human trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering or extortion are the major revenue sources for terrorist groups.

In the scope of national efforts and public campaigns against drugs, Turkey, in cooperation with the UNODC, under the Global Assessment Program implemented a project titled, "The National Study on Assessment of the Nature and Extent of Drug Abuse in Turkey."

Furthermore, Turkey is in the process of joining the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Turkey will continue her support to the UNODC and the other international and regional mechanisms and looks forward to enhance her cooperation with them.

One of Turkey's most important contributions to the fight against drug-trafficking is her struggle against PKK/KONGRA-GEL, since;

• PKK/KONGRA-GEL, as a dangerous terrorist organization, engaged in drug trafficking and marketing.
• PKK/KONGRA-GEL has an established infrastructure and network to produce, transport and traffic opiates and cannabis throughout Europe.
• PKK / KONGRA-GEL is also engaged in laundering money derived from human and drug trafficking.

CONTRIBUTION OF TURKISH ARMED FORCES TO PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS

National and regional crises and conflicts have come to the forefront in the era following the end of the Cold War, along with the risks and threats such as terrorism and the proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction. As a result of these new security requirements, peace support operations have increased significantly.

On the occasion of a visit to Atatürk by Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1937, Atatürk mentioned world politics and expressed his views as follows:

"All humanity should be viewed as a single body, and each nation as an organ of that body. The pain that a finger suffers affects the entire body; thus, we should not disregard any problem in any part of the world. If there is a disturbance, we should deal with it as if it happened in our country"

In parallel with Atatürk's above statement Turkey participates in peace support operations to the greatest possible extent in parallel with her international commitments, national interests and her capabilities.

Turkey's peace support operations can be classified under two headings: peace support operations conducted by units and international observer missions conducted by personnel.

CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS:

PAST OPERATIONS:

Turkey's contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations that aimed to preserve world peace started in 1950 with the Korean War, to which Turkey participated with a brigade. Turkey, on a rotational basis, sent a total of 15,000 personnel to Korea between 1950 and 1953.

United Nations Operation In Somalia (UNOSOM)

Between 02 January 1993 and 22 February 1994 Turkey sent a 300-personnel mechanized company to Operation Restore Hope that aimed at putting an end to wars and ensuring a secure environment for humanitarian aid to be delivered. A Turkish lieutenant general assumed the command of UNOSOM II for a certain period of time.

For more information:

www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unosomi.htm

www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unosom2.htm

United Nations Peace Protection Force (UNPROFOR) - Bosnia-Herzegovina

The request made by Turkey to participate in the United Nations Peace Force called UNPROFOR operation, which was established to create and protect safe zones for the humanitarian aid operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was accepted by the UN Security Council on 22 March 1994. Between 04 August 1993 and 20 December 1995 Turkey participated in the UNPROFOR operation with a regimental Task Force composed of 1400 personnel.

For more information:

www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unprofor.htm

NATO Implementation/Stabilization Force (IFOR/SFOR) - Bosnia-Herzegovina

After NATO assumed the duty of implementing the Dayton Peace Accord, the Turkish Peace Force assigned to UNPROFOR was reinforced and upgraded to brigade level and started to work under IFOR command as of 20 December 1995. On 20 December 1996, IFOR completed its mission and is replaced by SFOR and the Turkish brigade started to operate under SFOR. Then, in the scope of reductions, the Turkish Brigade was downsized to battalion level. SFOR mission was handed over to EU Force, EUFOR, after 02 December 2004.

For more information:

www.nato.int/ifor/

www.nato.int/sfor/

Operation Sharp Guard

In harmony with UNPROFOR and IFOR operations, Turkish Naval Forces contributed 1 active-duty and 1 on-call frigates as well as replenishment ships and mine countermeasure ships to the Operation Sharp Guard conducted by STANAVFORMED in the Adriatic Sea. During the period of 13 July 1992 and 2 October 1996, a total of 18 frigates/destroyers, 2 submarines, 4 replenishment ships and about 5,000 personnel took part in operations.

For more information:

www.nato.int/ifor/general/shrp-grd.htm

Operations Deny Flight/Deliberate Forge/Joint Guardian

Turkish Armed Forces also contributed to the air force established to provide air support to UNPROFOR assigned in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to NATO IFOR and NATO SFOR. Turkey contributed one F-16 squadron deployed in Italy to operation Deny Flight to control the airspace over Former Republic of Yugoslavia.

For more information:

www.fas.org/man/dod-101/ops/docs/DenyFlightFactSheet.htm

Operation ALBA in Albania

Upon the events in Albania, in order to ensure the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to be made to this country, UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1101 on 28 March 1997 and delegated the mandate to OSCE to form a multinational force, in which Italy served as the lead nation.

Turkey contributed a 759-man Marine Battalion Task Force and 20 officers / NCOs to the headquarters of the multinational force during the period of 16 April to 01 August 1997.

Essential Harvest, Amber Fox, Allied Harmony, Concordia and Proxima Operations in Macedonia

Turkey sent a Company Team between 27 August and 20 October 2001 to the multinational brigade that was formed for NATO-led Operation Essential Harvest, which started on 27 August 2001 in Macedonia.

In order to ensure a permanent presence in the region, and to support international observers in Macedonia, NATO conducted Operations Amber Fox and Allied Harmony between September 2001 and March 2003. Turkey participated in both operations.

European Union took over the command of the Operation Allied Harmony from NATO after 31 March 2003. Turkey participated in Operation Concordia, which lasted until 15 December 2003 with 2 light liaison teams (2 officers, 2 NCOs, 4 rank and files). Turkey also contributed 2 officers to the EU Headquarters and 1 officer to the NATO Headquarters in Skopje. On 15 December 2003, Turkey assigned 4 gendarmerie personnel to PROXIMA Police Force in Macedonia and a staff officer to NATO Headquarters in Skopje. PROXIMA Police Mission ended on 15 December 2005 and a Police Advisory Team called EUPAT started its six-month-mission. Turkey does not participate in this mission.

For more information:

www.eurofor.it/Concordia_Operation.htm

www.delmkd.cec.eu.int/en/Concordia/main.htm

www.eupol-proxima.org

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) was reinforced by the European Union for a period of 4 months between 30 July and 30 November 2006 to assist the electoral process in that country.

A C-130 military cargo aircraft and 15 crew members were deployed by Turkey to serve in Libreville/Gabon between 21 July and 01 December 2006.

Within the scope of this operation, one staff officer was assigned to Operational Command in Germany, while another officer served in the Joint Force Air Component Command in Libreville/Gabon.

For more information:

www.consilium.europa.eu

NATO Humanitarian Assistance Operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005

In the scope of NATO support to the USA, Turkey assigned a C-130 aircraft between 30 September and 08 October 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

For more information:

www.nato.int/docu/eadrcc/2005/katrina/index.htm

Humanitarian Assistance Operation in the Aftermath of Pakistan Earthquake in 2005

After the disastrous earthquake on 08 October 2005, Turkey immediately dispatched Search and Rescue Teams including a military search and rescue team to Pakistan and transported supplies that the Pakistani people urgently needed.

The supplies were transported to the disaster area with 19 sorties by the Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Turkey also assigned two of her airbases to be used as Forward Logistics Bases, two C-130 cargo aircraft for the NATO air bridge, and a frigate to be used in NATO Sea Bridge, if necessary.

1350 tons of donations were transported to Pakistan by 127 sorties flown from these bases. Turkish C-130 aircraft flew 15 sorties during this operation. In this scope, some United Nations donations were also transported from Ä°skenderun UN warehouses to Ä°ncirlik Air Base free of charge.

For more information:

www.nato.int/issues/pakistan_earthquake//index.htm

www.nato.int/shape/news/2005/10/pakistan.htm

Other Humanitarian Assistance Operations

In the aftermath of the floods that occurred in Algeria in February 2006, Turkey assigned 2 C-130 aircraft that made 3 sorties to deliver humanitarian aid to the disaster area.

Turkish Armed Forces also assisted in the evacuation of Turkish and foreign personnel from Lebanon during the war in August 2006.

At the end of the 1st Gulf War, more than 400.000 displaced people headed towards Turkey. Turkey accepted hundreds of people within its territory and provided humanitarian aid for those people.

Along with other contributing nations, Turkey was involved in humanitarian efforts with great endeavour. In this regard, Turkey built shelters and did her best to meet the basic needs of the displaced people both along and inside her borders. Moreover she allowed foreign NGOs to use its territory for transmission of aids to the north of Iraq.

In order to provide immediate relief assistance for the innocent people in the north of Iraq, who were suffering due to the economic embargo imposed by the central administration, as well as to eliminate the influence of Saddam on the north of the 36th parallel, the no-fly zone over the north of Iraq was established and the Joint Task Force Provide Comfort was formed in 1991 as per United Nations Resolution 688 and was deployed to Ä°ncirlik Air Base in Adana.

OPERATIONS CURRENTLY PARTICIPATED BY TURKEY

Currently, Turkey actively participates in the peace support operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Darfur / Sudan and Lebanon.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Turkish Armed Forces continue to contribute with 265 personnel to Operation Althea, which has been continuing under EU leadership since 02 December 2004. The Turkish Force is deployed in Sarajevo. Additionally, 50 gendarmerie personnel are assigned to EUFOR Integrated Police Force, while 5 personnel are assigned to the EU Police Force mission.

For more information:

www.european-defence.co.uk/directory/althea.html

www.european-defence.co.uk/althea.pdf

Kosovo

When the crisis in Kosovo could not be resolved by political means and turned in to an armed conflict in February 1999, NATO launched an air operation on 24 March 1999. Turkey participated in this operation with 10 F-16 aircraft deployed in Ghedi / Italy. Turkish aircraft flew over 2,000 hours during the operation.

Upon the increasing intensity of the air operation, NATO requested additional aircraft and airfields from Turkey. For this purpose, Turkey assigned 8 additional F-16 aircraft and 3 tanker aircraft to NATO to deploy out of Bandirma and Incirlik Air Bases. Turkey also permitted the use of Balikesir, Bandirma and Çorlu airfields by NATO aircraft.

Additionally, a Turkish frigate assigned to the Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAFORMED) in the Adriatic and a Turkish mine-hunter assigned to the Standing Mine Countermeasures Group participated in the operation.

After the start of the operation, a great number of refugees started to move to Macedonia and Albania, and a humanitarian crisis ensued. In order to help the solution of this crisis and to support the refugees, Turkey participated with a Field Service Quartermaster Company in Humanitarian Aid Force (AFOR) in Albania between 18 May and 07 September 1999. This company supported the refugees with vital life services such as food, bathing and laundry.

18,000 refugees were accommodated in Turkey during the operation; additionally Boyana/Macedonia and Elbasan/Albania refugee camps were set up, providing shelter for 3,200 refugees in each. After the signature of the peace treaty, refugees returned to Kosovo.

In KFOR Operation, the multinational force composed of 16,000 personnel from 36 countries is still active in Kosovo in 5 sectors. Turkish Battalion Task Force deployed in Prizren/Kosovo, continues its mission in Multinational Southern Task Force formed by Germany, Turkey, Austria and Switzerland.

Turkey has so far contributed to the KFOR multinational Southern Sector established by Germany, Austria, Turkey and Switzerland with 395 personnel in total as follows:

• A maneuver battalion including Azerbaijani and Georgian platoons (including national logistical units and national support units),
• An engineering company and Military Police Force,
• A reconnaissance platoon and a radar unit to Reconnaissance Company,
• Two liaison and observation teams (LOTs),
• 3 personnel to the Multinational Medical Force,
• 16 personnel to Task Force Headquarters and 11 personnel to KFOR Headquarters

Turkey will assume the leadership of Southern Task Force Command during the term between May 2007 and May 2008. During this period, it is envisaged that Turkey will make an additional contribution to KFOR with 260 personnel in total, including a reinforced marine amphibious infantry unit, 3 helicopters, and 1 Civilian and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) unit. With this additional contribution, the personnel assigned to this mission will totally reach 655 personnel.

For more information:

www.kforonline.com/

www.nato.int/kosovo/jnt-grdn.htm

www.nato.int/kosovo/all-frce.htm

Darfur/Sudan

African Union has considerably increased the size of the Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur in order to stop the violence that has escalated in the region.

Until now, NATO has provided transportation support to 7 battalions from Nigeria, Gambia, Rwanda and Senegal to Darfur (approximately 4,000 personnel including 49 police officers).

As part of NATO's logistic support to African Union for Darfur, Turkey assigned a C-130 aircraft.

For more information:

www.nato.int/issues/darfur/index.htm

Lebanon

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 dated 11 August 2006 calls for the deployment of an international force in Lebanon in order to establish and maintain peace in the region. Since October 2006 Turkey has been contributing approximately with 1.000 personnel to UN Interim Force in Lebanon with Engineering Construction Company as well as 1 frigate, 1 replenishment ship and 2 corvettes in the Naval Task Force.

For more information:

www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unifil.htm

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER MISSIONS:

OBSERVER MISSIONS CONDUCTED IN THE PAST:

In addition to Peace Support Operations, Turkey also contributes to International Observer Missions. The International Observer Missions that Turkey has contributed to in the past are as follows:

• United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG),
• United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM),
• United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET),
• OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission,
• OSCE Border Monitoring Operation in Georgia,
• United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH).

PARTICIPATION IN ONGOING INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER MISSIONS:

Turkey is currently involved in 3 military observer missions in Hebron, Georgia and Sudan, and EU police Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG),
• Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH),
• United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
• EU police Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo

TURKISH PfP TRAINING CENTER

In the light of the decisions taken "In the January 1994 NATO Summit" in Brussels, Turkey Decided to establish a "PfP Training Center", and declared the establishment of PfP Training Center at the EAPC (Euro Atlantic Partnership Council) meeting in Sintra / Portugal on 30 May 1997. After 13 months of the declaration, "TURKISH PFP TRAINING CENTER" was inaugurated on 29 June 1998 with an international opening ceremony, and recognized by NATO on 12 February 1999. Since its establishment PfP Training Center has been actively contributing to PfP initiative by conducting courses and seminars for NATO, PfP and Mediterrenean Dialogue Countries.

Links

Turkish General Staff

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Centre of Excellence Against Terrorism

PfP Training Centre