Turkey names new land, naval, air force commanders

Turkey replaced its land, naval and air force commanders on Wednesday, the presidential spokesperson announced at a press conference.

Former Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Yasar Guler has been appointed as the new land forces chief and Vice Adm. Adnan Ozbal has been named the navy chief, said Ibrahim Kalin.

Also, Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz has been appointed as the Turkish air force chief, he added.

The decision came during a top military meeting chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at the Cankaya Palace in Ankara.

During the bi-annual Supreme Military Council (YAS) meeting, appointments and retirements of high-ranking staff officers and generals, as well as the removal of military personnel were discussed.

The National Defense Ministry said in a statement earlier in the day that six generals and admirals were promoted as of 30 August.

Also, 61 colonels were promoted as generals and admirals, it added.

The terms of eight generals were extended for one year while a total of 168 colonels were given a two-year extension in their terms.