Turkey has confirmed that all 20 soldiers aboard a C-130 military transport aircraft died when it crashed near the border with Azerbaijan, close to Georgia. The Turkish Defence Ministry issued a statement confirming there were no survivors, with wreckage spread across the Sighnaghi municipality.
Defence Minister Yaşar Güler honored the soldiers by calling them “heroic martyrs.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
Joint Turkish-Georgian teams have started investigating the cause of the crash after the plane lost radar contact shortly after entering Georgian airspace. Witnesses reported a massive explosion and thick black smoke.
This incident represents Türkiye’s deadliest military aviation accident since 2020. It has drawn condolences and sympathy from leaders of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Qatar.
“Heroic martyrs” – Defence Minister Yaşar Güler
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the grieving families.
Author's summary: A Turkish military transport plane crash near Azerbaijan’s border claimed the lives of 20 soldiers, prompting condolences from regional leaders and an ongoing joint investigation.