Ankara: The bodies of Turkish soldiers who perished in a cargo plane crash along the Georgia-Azerbaijan border are set to be repatriated to Trkiye on Thursday, as confirmed by the National Defense Ministry, the tragic incident involved a Turkish C-130 military cargo aircraft that was returning from Azerbaijan when it crashed, claiming the lives of all 20 onboard, including the flight crew.
According to Anadolu Agency, the National Defense Ministry provided updates during a weekly press briefing on the ongoing investigation into the crash. Both the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice data recorder (CVDR) have been transported to Ankara for detailed analysis. The ministry is undertaking a thorough investigation in the capital to uncover the circumstances leading to the incident.
The ministry has also taken legal steps against social media accounts that prematurely disclosed the identities of the deceased soldiers before official announcements were made. In a precautionary measure, the ministry announced the temporary suspension of C-130 aircraft operations. Flights will only resume after comprehensive technical inspections are completed to ensure safety.
Addressing various allegations, the ministry clarified that the aircraft was only transporting personnel and maintenance equipment, with no ammunition on board. Officials stressed that it is premature to ascertain the exact cause of the crash, but assured that the investigation will provide clarity in due course. Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that the plane was subject to regular maintenance, countering concerns regarding the aircraft’s condition.