Turkey enhances security measures with more combat forces

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government has determined to increase the number of the Special Forces teams, which are conducting ongoing counterterrorism operations in the southeastern provinces of Turkey.

According to information reported by sources close to the government, the number of Gendarmerie Special Forces (JÖH) and Police Special Forces (PÖH) teams will be increased to 40,000 by the end of 2017. This falls under the strategy of the 82-article Counter-Terrorism Plan which entered into effect and is intended for security measures while allowing for effective combat against terrorism.

The government will carry out risk analysis in the region. Following analysis, starting from the southeastern provinces and including the western provinces, along with major urban centers and districts, 280 police stations will be built and specially trained officers will work in those stations. Additionally, while some of these highly equipped security stations will be temporary, others are to be permanent.

In recent operations, the Gendarmerie Special Forces (JÖH) and Police Special Forces (PÖH) cooperation have yielded impressive results. The officers involved in the operations have gained experience over time and coordination between military and police officers has resulted in impressive outcomes. Following successful achievements from counterterror operations, it was decided that the number of the Special Forces teams will be increased in areas where civilian populations are crowded. Currently, there are 12,500 JÖH battalions. This number will be increased to 13,500 this year, while by the end of the year it will increase to at least 20,000.

Moreover, it is claimed that although, there are 7,800 PÖH teams currently, the number of the PÖH teams will be increased to 20,000. Following that, 5,000 students will receive military occupational training by December. Teams will begin active duty on September. The Turkish National Force organized an exam to accept 40,000 Special Forces. Turkey's General Directorate of Security is to accept an additional 4,000-5,000 more officers following the 17th term of grads. The General Directorate of Security will reach its goal of 20,000, with participation from those in vocational retraining.