Turkish military leadership changes in Cyprus

On August 15, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially announced significant changes to the leadership of Turkish forces in Cyprus. According to the decision published in the Official Gazette of Turkey, Lieutenant General Ertan Inaltekin has been appointed as the new commander of the Turkish forces in Cyprus, replacing the outgoing Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kilinc, who has been placed at the disposal of the Turkish General Staff.

In addition to this appointment, Major General Sukru Bilir, formerly the head of the Current Operations Directorate at the Turkish General Staff, has assumed command of the so-called 'security forces' in the occupied territories. He replaces Major General Ilker Gorgulu, who has been transferred to the 28th Mechanized Infantry Division of the Turkish Army.

These leadership changes are part of a broader, nationwide reorganization involving the reassignment of over 200 generals and admirals across the Turkish land, naval, and air forces. The reshuffle follows standard military personnel rotation procedures within the Turkish armed forces structure.