September'19 Issue 41

Inside This Issue

  1. Introduction: About DRK
  2. DRK Insight and Case Studies
  3. Regional Developments
  4. Turkey Security Incident Overview (1 Month)
  5. Turkey Security Incident Overview (3 Months)
  6. Prominent Regional Security Issue “Turkey’s Stance towards the Energy Conflict in Eastern Mediterranean”
  7. DRK Highlights: “Components of Security System in Site.
  8. Technology in Security World: “What if there is a leak in Cyber Security?”

 

  

 

 

 

Introduction: About DRK

DRK is a Risk Consultancy and Security Management Company which provides sustainable security support to its clients with high accurate continuous risk assessments and security management in Turkey and the neighboring countries. Contrary to the classical, narrow and widely known security approaches, DRK’s vision is based on Business Continuity and Company Resilience throughout the entire project life cycle security.

DRK’s mission is to improve the security and resilience of its clients by managing the risk and security needs through intellectual capabilities depending on the time and the location. To improve the consultancy gap in Turkey, DRK wishes to implement an interdisciplinary approach of different layers and functions of security to meet the high standard security requirements of the foreign global corporations operating in Turkey.

 

 

 

DRK Insight and Case Studies

Snapshots

  • Unpromising Idlib's Condition and Repercussions on Turkey
  • Turkey’s Strategic Positioning Amidst the Rising Tension with the United States
  • Designating Turkey’s Security Concerns in Syria: Ongoing Conflict in Idlib
  • Unlawful Referendum Attempt of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Its Implications
  • Turkey – NATO Relations; Perspectives for the Future

 

Case Study & Insights

  • Uncertainty Further Prevails upon Syrian Theatre after US Withdrawal Decision
  • A Strategic Target: Oil and Gas Pipelines
  • The Increasing Tension Between Iran and S. Arabia and Its Possible Implications for Global Business
  • Possible Business – Wise Repercussions of a Potential Turkish Army intervention into Afrin Region in Northern Syria
  • PKK-PYD-ISIS, Interactions; Future Possibilities on the Regional Terrorism Developments

See all our products

 

Regional Developments

Turkish OYAK reaches initial deal to buy British Steel: The pension fund of the Turkish Armed Forces has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire U.K.-based industrial giant British Steel, said a written statement.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-oyak-reaches-initial-deal-to-buy-british-steel-145818

Accessed on Aug 16, 2019

Turkey ousts three Kurdish mayors for suspected militant links, launches security operation: Turkey replaced Kurdish mayors with state officials in three cities and detained more than 400 people for suspected militant links, the Interior Ministry said, a move likely to fuel tensions in the mainly Kurdish southeast.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-kurds/turkey-ousts-three-kurdish-mayors-for-suspected-militant-links-launches-security-operation-idUSKCN1V90A8

Accessed on Aug 19, 2019

Tensions soar as Syrian government strikes Turkish military convoy in Idlib: A Turkish military convoy heading through Syria's rebel-held Idlib province was intercepted by pro-Syrian government air strikes, risking open confrontation between the neighbors.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/air-strike-hit-near-turkish-military-convoy-idlib

Accessed on Aug 19, 2019

Turkey's locally produced rifles outnumber 40,000: Since 2017, Mechanical and Chemical Industry Company (MKEK) manufactured more than 40,000 MPT-76, named after the Turkish acronym of National Infantry Rifle, for Turkish Armed Forces.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-locally-produced-rifles-outnumber-40-000-145910

Accessed on Aug 20, 2019

Turkey says all its observation posts in Syria will remain in place, support to continue: All of Turkey’s observation posts, formed under an agreement with Russia and Iran, will remain in place and support will continue to be provided to the posts, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalın said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey/turkey-says-all-its-observation-posts-in-syria-will-remain-in-place-support-to-continue-idUSKCN1VB22P

Accessed on Aug 21, 2019

Operation Kıran to clear PKK from SE Turkey: Gendarmerie chief: Launched in Van, Hakkari and Şırnak with 129 teams and 14 battalions, Operation Kıran will permanently establish Turkey's security in the region, gendarmerie Chief Arif ÇETIN said at a military base in the Van countryside.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/operation-kiran-to-clear-pkk-from-se-turkey-gendarmerie-chief-145937

Accessed on Aug 21, 2019

Three Turkish soldiers killed in clash with Kurdish militants: Three Turkish soldiers were killed in a clash with Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey. Three militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were “neutralized” in the fighting, governor’s office said in a written statement. It said the soldiers were maintaining security for state energy company Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) near the town of Silopi in Sirnak

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-kurds/three-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-clash-with-kurdish-militants-idUSKCN1VC0MY

Accessed on Aug 22, 2019

US formally pulls Turkey's Patriot missile system offer: The Trump administration has formally withdrawn its offer for Turkey to purchase a Patriot missile system in retaliation for Turkey's receipt of the Russian-made S-400 missile system.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/22/politics/turkey-patriot-missiles-us/index.html

Accessed on Aug 22, 2019

Syrian troops surround Turkish military post near Idlib: Syrian government forces surrounded a Turkish military observation post in the northwest after overrunning nearby areas, upping the stakes with Ankara in its Russian-backed offensive against the jihadist-ruled Idlib region.

https://www.france24.com/en/20190823-syria-troops-surround-turkish-military-post-idlib-russia

Accessed on Aug 23, 2019

Joint Turkish-US operation center fully operational: Defense Minister Akar: A joint Turkish-U.S. operation center to establish and manage a safe zone in northeast Syria is fully operational, Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/joint-turkish-us-operation-center-fully-operational-defense-minister-akar-146022

Accessed on Aug 24, 2019

Operation Claw 3 launched in northern Iraq: Turkey: Turkish security forces launched Operation Claw 3 in Sinat-Haftanin region in northern Iraq, according to a statement from the Turkish National Defense Ministry.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/operation-claw-3-launched-in-northern-iraq-turkey/1563672

Accessed on Aug 24, 2019

Second batch of S-400 missile system arrived Turkey: A Russian cargo plane landed at Murted Air Base near Ankara to deliver second battery of S-400 components.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/second-batch-of-s-400-missile-system-arrives-turkey/1566149

Accessed on Aug 27, 2019

Turkey, Russia discussed joint cooperation in defense industry: Erdoğan Ankara and Moscow discussed joint cooperation in defense industry, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said after a closed-door meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-russia-discussed-joint-cooperation-in-defense-industry-erdogan-3499198

Accessed on Aug 27, 2019

YPG begins withdrawal from Syria-Turkey border: People’s Protection Units (YPG) forces have begun withdrawing from the Syria-Turkey border area as part of an agreement with the United States and Turkey, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said.

https://thedefensepost.com/2019/08/27/ypg-syria-turkey-border-withdrawal-begins/

Accessed on Aug 27, 2019

Turkey 'to start Syria operation' if US delays safe zone plan: Turkey will launch its own operation to establish a "safe zone" in northern Syria if talks with the United States fail to give Turkish troops control of the area "within a few weeks", President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/turkey-start-syria-operation-delays-safe-zone-plan-190831164511506.html

Accessed on Aug 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Turkey Security Incident Overview – 1 Month

(Aug 1 – Sep 1, 2019)

Turkey Security Incident Overview – 3 Months

(Jun 1 – Sep 1, 2019)

Prominent Regional Security Issue

Turkey’s Stance towards the Energy Conflict in Eastern Mediterranean

East Med has recently caught World’s eyes. In fact, scientific evidences about the existence of rich natural gas resources in the region have called neighboring and oil producing countries’ attention at the beginning of millennium. According to the data provided by US Geological Survey; East Med has 1.7 billion barrels of oil and 3.5 trillion cubic meter natural gas reserve. Countries, related to the area aimed to get a bigger slice of the cake and tension in the region has gradually increased. 

Greek Cyprus Administration started to sign Exclusive Economic Zone agreements with Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel in East Med since 2002. Despite Turkey’s objections, GCA declared 13 search parcels and started to license at the beginning of 2007. 5 parcels overlap with the Turkish continental shelf and some others overlap with the Turkish Cypriot’s License areas. Turkey strongly objected the EEZ agreements of GCA. Ankara prepared own EEZ maps and had UN approve these maps. Afterwards, Turkey gave license to Turkish Petroleum Company (TPAO). 

Egypt, Israel, GCA, Greece, Italy, Jordan and Palestinian Authorities established East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) in an effort to coordinate energy policies and establish a regional gas market. Turkey, Syria and Lebanon were excluded from EMGF. Additionally, East Med Pipeline Project aims to transfer resources to Europe through Israel, Cyprus and Greece. However, this project is not seemed possible technically and economically without Turkey’s participation. In response to EMGF exclusion, Turkey launched “Sea Wolf” and “Blue Homeland” large scale live fire naval exercises in three seas in March and May 2019.

Major players have been in East Med, since scientific surveys publicized. US have played for both sides since the escalation of conflict. Some US companies have drilling contracts with GCA. So, US always refer the parcels claimed by GCA. On the other hand, US declare that natural resources should be fairly shared between the both communities in Cyprus.

GCA gave licenses to France and Italy origin petroleum companies and these companies started operation in the region. On the other hand, Greece and Cyprus asked EU to adopt punitive measures against Turkey, because of the drilling activities. EU condemned Turkey, threatened to impose sanctions and suspended membership talks as expected.

Russia, as a major player in the region, seems uninterested with the issue. But it is well known that Russia, US, France and UK have a considerable naval force in the region by the reason of Syrian Civil War. Multiple harassing activities happened but no worse has been reported in the search parcels.

Turkey, amid national security concerns related to Syria, has showed a decisive stance to be a part of the game on the ground. Ankara has been taking measures to protect the national interests of either Turkey or TRNC in the region in accordance with the international law and UNSCR’s. Therefore three ships (seismic and drilling) escorted by naval vessels and UAV’s were sent to Cyprus off-shore waters. Drilling and seismic search has been ongoing since the deployment of the ships in the region. 

Ankara insistently reiterates that Greek Cypriots do not represent the whole island and do not have the right to decide unilaterally on the issues related to the TRNC’s interest. Turkey’s East Med and Cyprus policy firmly stands on the fair utilization of natural resources between two communities. However, formal statements indicate that Turkey will not accept any fait accompli in the region. Turkey seems fully determined to deter any aggression against the national sovereignty and interests in East Med.

DRK Highlights:

Components of Security System in Site.

Components of security system in site should include; alarm systems, signage, access control systems, denial equipment and detection equipment. The different types of systems can include alarms that silently send out an alarm to the proper authorities, a system that emits an audible alarm in the area of the site as well as some type of visual alarm, or a combination of the two. Placing signage along the perimeter of the site is an effective way of designating the boundaries. Access control is used to enhance the other physical measures such as the perimeter fence, barriers, and intrusion detection devices to aid in the preclusion of unauthorized entry.

Denial equipment (man-made, natural barrier etc.) includes solid measures to stop the hostile intruders and to help diverting pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Detection equipment should include UAV’s, ground surveillance radars, infrared/thermal cameras, video surveillance and processing, smoke/flame detector, biometric ID sensors and etc. A layout representing an example of Site Security System is shown above.

Technology in Security World:

What if there is a leak in Cyber Security?

Cyber security has recently become one of the most important security components of true system security architecture. It is defined as defending computers, systems, networks, mobile devices and data from malicious attacks. Such attacks usually aimed at valuable information. If cyber-attack succeeds, the corporation will certainly lose reputation, trust and the information will be exposed to unauthorized individuals. Therefore, governments and corporations spend billions of dollars to protect cyber systems. There are several cases in which cyber security leaks caused detrimental effects.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, pointed out the importance of cyber security on August 27, 2019. He said that NATO members would act as one to ensure cyber security in NATO IT systems. He also referred to a massive malware attack which happened in May 2017. Malware spread quickly and shut down computers in 99 countries including the UK, Russia, and China. WannaCry malware program demanded $ 300 worth virtual currency from the users to unlock the computers. Banks, health services and state-owned corporations were affected during that cyber-attack and public services were interrupted for a while.

Corporations, individuals and public units may face such cyber-attacks and be asked for ransom. People should be aware of such attacks and follow cyber security instructions. There should be appropriate cyber security precautions under the umbrella of True System Security Architecture.

 

DRK Risk & Security Consulting

Mustafa Kemal Mah. Dumlupınar Blv .Tepe Prime No:266 A Blok Kat :6 No:82 Çankaya/ANKARA/TURKEY
Phone : +90 312 970 1982
Fax : +90 850 220 0451