TRAGEDY: Turkish Military C-130 Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia, All 20 Personnel Killed

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The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has announced with deep sorrow that a Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) C-130 cargo aircraft, which had departed from Azerbaijan en route to Türkiye, crashed in Georgia

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense released a statement conveying profound sadness over the incident. The ministry confirmed that a C-130 type cargo plane that took off from Azerbaijan for transfer to Türkiye had crashed in Georgian territory

20 Personnel On Board Confirmed Deceased

The MSB announced that the ill-fated aircraft was carrying a total of 20 personnel, including the flight crew. Later reports and condolences from the Turkish government confirmed that all 20 military personnel on board were killed in the crash.

The search and rescue operations were immediately launched in coordination with Georgian authorities.

In its initial official statement, the Ministry had stated:

One of our C-130 cargo planes, which took off from Azerbaijan to arrive in our country, has crashed in Georgia. Search and rescue efforts have been initiated in coordination with Georgian authorities. Our crashed plane had 20 personnel, including the flight crew. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Respectfully announced to the public."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev both offered deep condolences following the confirmation of the casualties, referring to the deceased as "martyrs" and expressing shared grief.

The plane crashed in Georgia's Sighnaghi municipality, near the border with Azerbaijan. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated by the relevant Georgian authorities

Ardahan newspaper

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Former Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer Released on Bail

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The Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court has ordered the release of former Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was being held in connection with the investigation into the alleged 'Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization.'

Former Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer has been released from custody following a decision by the Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court. Özer was being detained as part of the ongoing investigation targeting the 'Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization

Ahmet Özer has experienced multiple detentions in recent months. He was initially arrested on October 30, 2024, as part of the separate "City Consensus" investigation.

• Özer was released on bail in July 2024 following a hearing in the "City Consensus" case.

• However, he was re-arrested shortly thereafter under the 'Aziz İhsan Aktaş' investigation, this time facing accusations of "bid rigging" (ihaleye fesat karıştırma)

The Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court's latest ruling grants Özer release from custody in the 'Aziz İhsan Aktaş' file.

The judicial process continues, and further details regarding the conditions of his release are expected to be announced

 

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