Turkey's Land Forces Commander Gen. Akar Named New Top Soldier

Turkey's current Land Forces Commander, Gen. Hulusi Akar, has been appointed the new Chief of General Staff, as his predecessor, Gen. Necdet Özel, has completed his four-year mandate. Gen. Özel is expected to hand over his seat to Gen. Akar on Aug. 14.

The appointment was revealed at the conclusion of the Supreme Military Council's (YAŞ) annual three-day meeting, in which the council shaped the military's new upper echelon. The YAŞ's decisions were announced by presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın after they were approved by President Tayyip Erdoğan.

As Gen. Akar was appointed as the top soldier, 1st Army Commander Gen. Salih Zeki Çolak will replace him. The new Air Forces Commander will be Gen. Abidin Ünal, who is the commander responsible for the Air Missile Defense System. Outgoing Air Forces Commander Gen. Akın Öztürk will continue to serve the army as a member of the YAŞ.

Naval Forces Commander Adm. Bülent Bostanoğlu's tenure was extended for another year, while current Navy Commander Vice Adm. Fevzi Kösele was promoted so he can replace Bostanoğlu next year. - Ankara