Türkiye launches probe into military plane crash on Azerbaijan-Georgia border

The Turkish National Defense Ministry has initiated a formal investigation into the crash of a military transport aircraft that occurred near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Ministry officials confirmed Wednesday that search, rescue, and accident investigation teams began examining the wreckage at 6:30 AM local time in coordination with Georgian authorities following Tuesday's aviation incident.

Aircraft Details and Crash Circumstances

The crashed C-130 military cargo aircraft was transporting twenty Turkish military personnel when it went down during a flight originating from Azerbaijan with Türkiye as its intended destination. The specific cause of the accident remains undetermined as investigation teams commence their detailed examination of the crash site and aircraft remains, with casualty figures yet to be officially confirmed pending completion of recovery operations.

High-Level Diplomatic Coordination

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conducted separate telephone discussions Tuesday with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to address developments in search and rescue operations. The high-level diplomatic engagement underscores the significance of the incident and the cooperative relationship between Türkiye and its regional neighbors in responding to cross-border emergencies affecting Turkish military assets and personnel.

National Mourning and International Support

Speaking during an event in Ankara, President Erdogan extended condolences for military personnel killed in the crash, acknowledging the national significance of the tragedy. The incident has prompted expressions of solidarity from numerous countries and international leaders, reflecting Türkiye's established diplomatic relationships and the global recognition of the seriousness of military aviation accidents involving loss of life.