Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that 19 bodies of the 20 soldiers on board a Turkish C-130 military cargo plane that crashed in Georgia had been recovered, along with the aircraft’s black box.The Turkish leader gave the update on the recovery efforts on Wednesday at a meeting of provincial heads of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Ankara, the Anadolu news agency reported, hours after Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed that all 20 soldiers on board the plane had died.In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken communities and nations alike, a Turkish military plane crashed in the rugged terrain of Georgia, resulting in the loss of 19 lives. The crash occurred under circumstances that are still being investigated, but the recovery of the black box brings a glimmer of hope for answers amid this tragedy.
The Incident
On November 12, 2025, the Turkish army aircraft was reported missing in the early hours of the morning. Search and rescue teams launched operations immediately, navigating the challenging landscapes of Georgia's mountainous regions. Sadly, the wreckage was discovered later that day, confirming the worst fears — there were no survivors among the 19 crew members on board.
The Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to retrieve the bodies from the crash site, navigating difficult conditions as they searched for any clues to the cause of the crash. As the day wore on, the focus shifted to recovering the black box, a crucial piece of equipment that records flight data and cockpit conversations. This recovery could provide vital insights into the events leading up to the crash.
Mourning and Support
In Turkey, the news of the crash has prompted an outpouring of grief. Families of the victims are left to grapple with immense loss, while the government has pledged full support to assist them during this devastating time. Vigils and memorials are being organized to honor the lives lost in this tragic