21/05/2026, Thursday19:17

EDITION :

Today Sports Economy Türkiye World Columns Technology Life Video Gallery Cartoon

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spanish citizens from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla would be deported during the day via Türkiye. The Global Sumud flotilla's 50 vessels were seized by Israel, carrying 428 people from 44 countries.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden on May 21-22, focusing on preparations for the July NATO summit in Ankara, alliance unity, support for Ukraine, and developments related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israel's "piracy and banditry" against the Global Sumud Flotilla "in the strongest terms," saying Israel's attacks on the aid mission will not stop international solidarity with Palestinians or the pursuit of justice.The Israeli army has begun attacking and intercepting the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla, Israeli media reported. The flotilla, consisting of 54 boats, set sail from Türkiye in a renewed attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.Türkiye has completed bureaucratic preparations to launch direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalization process between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said. The preparations were finalized under confidence-building measures implemented since 2022.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spanish citizens from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla would be deported during the day via Türkiye. The Global Sumud flotilla's 50 vessels were seized by Israel, carrying 428 people from 44 countries.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden on May 21-22, focusing on preparations for the July NATO summit in Ankara, alliance unity, support for Ukraine, and developments related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israel's "piracy and banditry" against the Global Sumud Flotilla "in the strongest terms," saying Israel's attacks on the aid mission will not stop international solidarity with Palestinians or the pursuit of justice.The Israeli army has begun attacking and intercepting the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla, Israeli media reported. The flotilla, consisting of 54 boats, set sail from Türkiye in a renewed attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.Türkiye has completed bureaucratic preparations to launch direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalization process between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said. The preparations were finalized under confidence-building measures implemented since 2022.

Advertisement

EFES-2026 exercise showcases daytime operations in Izmir

Yeni Şafak Newsroom

13:33, 21/05/2026, Thursday

2 gnc

AA

EFES-2026 exercise showcases daytime operations in Izmir

Distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise, one of the Turkish Armed Forces’ largest combined joint drills, took place in Izmir on May 21, 2026. Over 10,000 personnel from 50 countries are participating to enhance joint military capabilities and maintain combat readiness.

Daytime activities were on full display during the Distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise, held in Izmir on May 21, 2026. The exercise, one of the largest combined joint drills conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), aims to develop the operational capabilities of joint headquarters and multinational units.

Daytime activities were on full display during the Distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise, held in Izmir on May 21, 2026. The exercise, one of the largest combined joint drills conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), aims to develop the operational capabilities of joint headquarters and multinational units.

Multinational participation

More than 10,000 military personnel from 50 countries are taking part in EFES-2026. The exercise focuses on improving coordination between participant nations, enhancing combat readiness, and ensuring that joint forces can effectively cover all assigned tasks. Observers from allied and partner countries attended the Distinguished Observer Day to assess the drills and strengthen interoperability.

Multinational participationMore than 10,000 military personnel from 50 countries are taking part in EFES-2026. The exercise focuses on improving coordination between participant nations, enhancing combat readiness, and ensuring that joint forces can effectively cover all assigned tasks. Observers from allied and partner countries attended the Distinguished Observer Day to assess the drills and strengthen interoperability.

Strategic significance

EFES-2026 comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, including the ongoing Iran war, instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and NATO’s focus on collective defence. Türkiye, as the host nation, has used the exercise to demonstrate its military capabilities and its role as a key NATO ally bridging Europe, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. The exercise includes live-fire drills, amphibious operations, and air-ground integration scenarios.

Strategic significanceEFES-2026 comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, including the ongoing Iran war, instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and NATO’s focus on collective defence. Türkiye, as the host nation, has used the exercise to demonstrate its military capabilities and its role as a key NATO ally bridging Europe, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. The exercise includes live-fire drills, amphibious operations, and air-ground integration scenarios.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Titles :EFES Türkiye military exercise NATO

Comments

Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.