Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Ankara on Wednesday as members of the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) demonstrated against a military alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, warning that the agreement could embroil Türkiye in war.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Ankara on Wednesday as members of the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) demonstrated against a military alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, warning that the pact could pull Turkey into a war.
Footage shows protesters clashing with security personnel, with one demonstrator being thrown to the ground during the altercation.
Others were seen chanting anti-war slogans and holding a banner that read: “We will not allow you to drag the country into war.”
Demonstrators voiced opposition to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, chanting, “Do not surrender, say no to war,” “We will not be soldiers for the United States,” and “We will not be soldiers for the Saudis.”
Turkish media quoted TKP Central Committee member Ali Ufuk Arikan as strongly condemning the pact and pledging to oppose any effort to involve Turkish troops in military operations abroad.
He said the country would defend itself and warned occupiers, imperialists and Zionists that revolutionaries remained present. He also vowed to prevent the country’s soldiers from serving what he called “bastards.”
The protest came after Turkey submitted the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement to parliament for ratification, following its signing with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on August 7.
Under the agreement, an armed attack on any of the three countries would be regarded as an attack on all, prompting opponents to warn that Turkish forces could become involved in regional conflicts.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on October 8 that the alliance was “defensive” rather than “offensive,” ruling out the deployment of Turkish troops to launch attacks in another country.
Ankara is considering providing Saudi Arabia with military assistance, including air defense systems and technical support, as Riyadh faces retaliatory attacks by forces in Yemen.
