November'17 Issue 2
Inside This Issue
1 Introduction: About DRK
2 DRK Insight and Studies
3 Regional Developments
4 Risk-Based Approach to Security Management; Security Risk Management (SRM)
5 Business Continuity Management and SRM
6 Security Sector in Turkey
Introduction: About DRK
The first of the DRK Advisory Board meetings will be held in Ankara on Nov 12, 2017 with the participation of DRK Team and DRK Advisory Board. DRK Advisory Board consists of academicians and reputed analysts who have expertise on security, international relations and politics.
On the agenda are important security issues such as The Situation in Iraq and Syria; PKK and the Fight Against Terrorism; Turkey and Migration.
Advisory Board Meetings will continue in a periodical manner.
DRK Insight and Studies
· PKK Strategies Against Civilians
· Syrian Refugees in Turkey & Security Implications
· Kurdish Independence Referendum in Northern Iraq
· Overall Security Conditions in Turkey’s Proximity - 2017
· Large Scale Social Kurdish Turmoil - 6-7 October 2014 - Turkey
· Turkey’s Possible Military Operations: Idlib & Afrin
DRK improves the security and resilience of its clients by managing the risk and security needs.
Regional Developments
Iraqi forces took over Kirkuk: Kurds held a referendum on September 25, which got reactions from regional and international actors, concerning that it would cause ethnic conflicts and distract attention from fight against ISIS. Iraqi government carried out a military assault on Kirkuk and took over the city within a day. Iraqi Government’s operations were backed by US and Iranian-backed fighters, known as Hashd al-Shaabi.
Oil fields captured in Kirkuk: Iraqi forces, with the seizure of Kirkuk, captured Bai Hassan and Avana Dome oil fields from Peshmerga forces. These fields constitute 280,000 barrels of oil (per day) of the KRG's total of 600,000 barrels. Following the seizure, US-led coalition called for a dialogue between Iraqi Government and Kurdish authorities.
https://www.voanews.com/a/iraqi-forces-enter-kurdish-held-kirkuk/4071890.html
KRG postpones elections: The parliament of Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) voted to postpone presidential and parliamentary elections by eight months. The vote came after the seizure of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces, a disputed territory between Erbil and Baghdad. Rapid retreat of Kurdish forces created internal tensions in KRG. As such, Goran, a main opposition party, called for Barzani’s resignation.
https://www.trtworld.com/mea/krg-postpones-elections-due-to-referendum-turmoil-11590
Raqqa captured from ISIS: US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (composed of Kurdish and Arab militias) have declared victory over ISIS in Raqqa, which served as the de facto capital of so-called “Islamic State” since 2014. The SDF raised the flag of the Kurdish YPG militias (affiliate of terrorist PKK) and torn down the flag of ISIS. The final assault was backed by airpower of US-led coalition. The four-month battle in Raqqa resulted in influx of approximately 270.000 people.
Posters of Terrorist Öcalan in Raqqa: ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s picture was replaced by a poster of Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned founder of terrorist PKK, by the YPG militias in Raqqa following the seizure of Raqqa from ISIS. Thus, Turkey’s continuous warnings to international actors about the links between PKK and YPG warranted. This development in Raqqa was criticized by US. Yet, such an act has raised questions about armed terrorists of YPG/PKK and their further positioning in the region.
The employment of technology along with the professional analysis of risks and precautions form the very basis of a successful security system.
Operation in Idlib: Turkish army’s military operation in Idlib, northwest province of Syria, has been largely completed. Turkey, working cooperatively with Russia, has deployed troops to Idlib in order to create “de-escalation zone” as discussed in Astana peace talks. Operation aims both to clear Turkey’s borders from ISIS militias and to stop PYD/YPG terrorists from establishing prevalence in the region.
Trilateral relations between Turkey, Iran and Iraq: Trilateral relations between Turkey-Iran and Iraq has been improving. Turkey and Iran played a crucial role in successful advance of Iraqi forces into Kirkuk. Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stated two countries’ determination to take every necessary steps in northern Iraq in a joint press conference. Furthermore, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi visited Presidents of Turkey and Iran to improve the level of cooperation and to draw a future road map in Iraq.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/26/c_136705985.htm
Cross-border operation against PKK camps in Zap (Northern Iraq): Turkish Army, after 9-years period, initiated a cross-border operation to PKK camps in Zap/Iraq. Commando units entered the Zap region through Çukurca district of Hakkari. Operation aims to neutralize PKK terrorists and maintain the border security of Turkey. Air forces have already been conducting airstrikes since October 16. According to military statements, 21 terrorists have been neutralized so far.
IED explosives found in Bayrampaşa/İstanbul: Anti-Terror Police in İstanbul carried out an operation against ISIS terrorists. 1 terrorist was neutralized while 3 others were captured. Police found IED explosives in their car. Suspects are claimed to plan an assault in a shopping mall in Bayrampaşa district.
https://terror-alert.com/news/4-isil-suspects-caught-in-istanbul-mall?uid=90723
Bomb attack on police vehicle in Mersin: A bomb, targeting a police vehicle in Mersin, was exploded, injuring 18 people, 17 of whom were police officers. None of the wounded people are in critical condition. HPG, armed branch of PKK terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack.
Effective security management, in its essence, should mean a support for the “Continuity of Business” rather than the blocking of business wise activities due to the security regulations.
Risk-Based Approach to Security Management; Security Risk Management (SRM)
Security Risk Management (SRM) is the process of; identification, assessment, and prioritization of security risks to monitor, minimize and control the probability and/or impact of unforeseen incidents. The process follows the consequent steps of;
· Identification of specific risks to the people, information, and assets,
· Developing protective security measures
· Implementation of risk mitigation measures.
Adopting a “Risk-Based” approach allows companies/organizations to prioritize security activities based on the likelihood and consequence of the perceived security risks.
SRM requires a specific “culture,” a tailored “process” and adopted “structures” directed towards the maximization of business objectives.
Key aspects of SRM process are;
· Establishment of a Risk Management Policy.
· Development of a Risk Management Framework.
· Definition of the responsibilities.
· Integration of a SRM Systematics into business processes.
· Development of a Positive Risk Culture.
· The building of SRM capacity
DRK Security Risk Management aims to contribute its clients in forming a SRM policy which becomes an inherent part of their organizational culture.
Business Continuity Management and SRM
Business Continuity is a process that identifies potential risks and provides a framework for the attainment of resilience and the capability for an effective response. This response should rest on a Security Risk Management nurtured through a continuing Comprehensive Security Risk Assessment Process.
Recently developed Business Continuity management techniques show the crucial role of advance Crisis Management Planning against the unexpected occurrence of events and incidents.
In this regard, DRK assists its clients developing Business Continuity plans, through the conduct of a Comprehensive Security Risk Assessment process to increase the level of preparedness against unusually complicated and stressful situations and to achieve the implementation of preventive and reactional measures.
Security is an interdisciplinary area, the tools of which extend definitely beyond the scope of employment of Security Personnel and CCTV systems.
Security Sector in Turkey
The security sector in Turkey is regulated in accordance with the law no. 5188 “Law on Private Security Services”. Law settles issues such as official authorization, quality of private security education, curriculum and surveillance of private security services. By the beginning of 2017, the total number of security companies operating in Turkey is 2191. Approximately 320.000 people have been hired for different positions in these companies so far. Considering the number of active security workers, Turkey is ranked in top 3 of Europe. Beside this, there are some defects in security sector which need effective improvements such as lack of education and training of security workers, relatively low level standards of operation, existence of uninstitutionalized companies and low wages for workers.
DRK Risk & Security Consulting
