Erdogan Confirms 19 Bodies Recovered After Turkish Military Plane Crash Near Georgia-Azerbaijan Border

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that 19 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of a Turkish Air Force cargo plane that crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border on Tuesday.

Speaking during a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s provincial heads in Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan said the aircraft’s black box had been retrieved and that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

“Work at the crash site is being closely monitored, and all necessary steps are being taken to uncover the full details of the incident,” Erdogan stated, adding that search teams are continuing efforts to locate one remaining missing crew member.

The Turkish Air Force C-130 transport aircraft, carrying 20 military personnel, went down shortly after taking off from Azerbaijan en route to Türkiye. The cause of the crash remains unknown.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s National Defence Ministry and Communications Directorate will provide regular updates, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information. He also warned against attempts to use the tragedy for “dirty politics.”

Authorities have sealed off the crash site as recovery and forensic operations continue, while defense officials work to piece together what led to the fatal incident near the remote mountainous border region.