Hulusi

Two Turkish F-16's shot down a Russian-made SU-24 jet on Nov. 24 near the Syrian border after it violated Turkish airspace, presidential sources said.

Turkey shot down the jet after it failed to heed the warnings within the rules of engagement.

Initial reports said the jet belonged to Russia, but presidential sources later clarified that the jet's nationality was unknown.

The Supreme Military Council (YA?) will convene on Nov. 26, chaired by Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu. 

Members of the council including Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, the defense minister, force commanders, army commanders, the gendarmerie forces commander, navy commanders, and four star generals, will participate at the top defense meeting, which is held twice a year.

Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar said the Turkish army makes great effort in preventing civilian casualties during the fight against terrorism, speaking at a reception for Republic Day on Oct. 29. 

The other day Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar said, ?Our heroic comrades in arms are exerting care and sensitivity not to harm civilian targets and citizens.? 

Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar paid a visit to Azerbaijan from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, during which he met with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and Spokesperson of the Azeri National Assembly Oktay Esedov. 

The Turkish government has decided to bestow outgoing Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Necdet Özel with the state medal of honor in recognition of his ?high services to the nation.?

Hulusi Akar, the new general chief of staff, is coming to transform the Turkish Armed Forces, says a former member of the army.

General Hulusi Akar, the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces was appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS) by President Tayyip Erdo?an following the three-day Supreme Military Council (YA?) meetings held Aug. 3-5 and chaired by Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu.

Turkey?s top soldier is assuming his responsibilities at a very critical time. Amid a civil war in nearby Syria, a possible land offensive in Iraq against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the surge of outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK) attacks inside Turkey, Gen. Hulusi Akar will be juggling many balls while delicately handling domestic politics.

Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YA?) convened for its regular annual meeting on Aug. 3 to discuss appointments and retirements of high-ranking staff officers and generals in the Turkish Armed Forces, as well as for the removal of military personnel from the army.