Turkish army will be stronger once ‘traitors’ have been removed: Military chief

“The fact that the army is carrying out operation Euphrates Shield - which is essential for the peace and security of our nation, the people in neighboring countries, and our borders - while [Naval Forces] are defending the seas and the [Air Forces] put the signature of the republic in the air, just days after this abominable [coup] attempt shows that the TSK has lost none of its power. It will become stronger as the traitors within it are removed,” Akar said in a statement to mark Turkey’s official Aug. 30 Victory Day.

Vowing that the military will continue to fight against “all terrorist organizations” that intend to harm “our national unity and indivisible integrity,” he added that “no innocent person will be harmed in the process.” 

Akar also commented on the July 15 failed coup attempt, during which he was abducted by coup plotting soldiers but was later saved, saying the TSK has “only one chain of command in line with the constitutional order.”

“No person or movement can have an effect on the organization and activities of our army outside the legal hierarchy,” he said, referring to the U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, believed to have been behind the failed seizure of power.