By International Desk – Ankara/Tbilisi, November 12, 2025
The Turkish Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed that all 20 people aboard the military transport aircraft that crashed in Georgia have died. The ill-fated plane was on its way back to Turkey after taking off from Azerbaijan when it went down within Georgian territory.
In a statement released late Tuesday night, the Turkish Defense Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, saying:
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the martyrdom of all 20 of our military personnel aboard the transport aircraft that crashed in Georgia during its return flight from Azerbaijan.”
According to preliminary reports, the military cargo plane, identified as part of Turkey’s Air Force fleet, lost contact with air traffic control shortly after entering Georgian airspace. Emergency response teams from both Georgia and Turkey were immediately dispatched to the crash site, located in a mountainous area near the Kvemo Kartli region, approximately 60 kilometers south of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.
Authorities in Georgia confirmed that the wreckage was found scattered across a forested area, making rescue and recovery operations difficult. Adverse weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy rain, reportedly hampered the efforts of first responders.
Eyewitnesses from nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a large fireball in the sky. One local resident told Georgian media:
“We saw flames and thick smoke coming from the hillside. It was clear something big had gone down. The authorities arrived very quickly and sealed off the area.”
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, initial indications suggest mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the tragedy. Georgian civil aviation authorities have launched a joint inquiry with Turkish military investigators to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, stating:
“Our hearts are heavy with grief. Every one of these heroes served the nation with pride and honor. The Republic of Turkey stands with their families in this moment of profound loss.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also extended his sympathies, emphasizing that the government will provide full support to the victims’ families. He said the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice will be remembered as a testament to their duty and service.
In a show of solidarity, the Georgian government also conveyed condolences to Ankara, pledging full cooperation in recovery and investigation efforts. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated:
“We share Turkey’s pain in this tragic incident and have mobilized all necessary resources to assist in the investigation and recovery operations.”
The bodies of the deceased personnel are expected to be repatriated to Turkey within the next 48 hours after forensic identification and procedural formalities are completed in Tbilisi. The Turkish flag will fly at half-mast across all military installations and government buildings in mourning.
