A Turkish military plane has tragically crashed in Georgia after departing from Azerbaijan, carrying 20 Turkish personnel, including the flight crew. The incident occurred when the C-130 cargo plane lost radar contact shortly after entering Georgian airspace, reportedly spiraling and trailing smoke before hitting the ground and igniting a large plume of black smoke.
Search and rescue teams are currently working to reach the crash site, which is about 5 kilometers from Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan. Although the cause of the crash remains unknown, Turkey’s defense ministry has confirmed that the aircraft was heading back to Turkey when it went down. An investigation has been launched by Georgia’s interior ministry under air transport safety laws considering the loss of life.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received news of the crash during a speech in Ankara. He expressed his condolences for the “martyrs” and hoped for a swift recovery from the tragedy, urging prayers for those lost. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also extended condolences to Erdogan, the families affected, and the Turkish public.
The C-130 Hercules, known for its versatility as a cargo and troop transport aircraft, is widely utilized by military forces globally. In a statement, US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, expressed his sadness over the incident and reaffirmed the United States’ support for Turkey in this difficult time. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the C-130, has pledged to assist with the investigation into the crash.
This heartbreaking event has underscored the significance of military collaboration between Turkey and Azerbaijan, which remains a focal point in regional security. As investigations proceed, there is hope that the timely response of search and rescue operations will yield positive results and provide clarity around this tragic occurrence.