Georgian Defence Minister expresses condolences to Turkey over plane crash

Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani on Tuesday held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart following the crash of a Turkish Air Force military transport aircraft near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border earlier today.

During the call, Chikovani expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

On behalf of the Georgian Defence Ministry, he extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the Turkish Armed Forces and the brotherly people of Turkey.

Reports about the crash of a military aircraft near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border surfaced earlier. Imedi TV has obtained video footage showing the incident.

The Ministry has issued an official statement on the crash.

The Interior Ministry noted that a Turkish military aircraft went down in the Sighnaghi Municipality, approximately five kilometres from the state border.

“The Ministry reports that an investigation has been launched under Article 275, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to the violation of air transport safety or operational rules resulting in loss of life. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will provide the public with detailed information about the incident in due course,” the Ministry said.