The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday evening expressing the Kingdom’s sympathy and solidarity with the government and people of Turkiye during this difficult time.

According to the statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Arabia conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for any injured personnel. The message underscored the Kingdom’s support for Turkiye and its people in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Ankara confirmed that a Turkish Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft crashed in Georgia’s Sighnaghi municipality, near the Azerbaijani border, while en route from Azerbaijan to Turkiye. Officials said the incident occurred during a routine flight, and all 20 soldiers on board were killed.

The crash represents the deadliest incident involving Turkish military personnel since 2020, when 33 soldiers lost their lives during combat operations in Syria. The latest accident has sparked an outpouring of condolences from countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, which emphasized its deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

Turkish authorities said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that poor weather conditions and possible technical failures may have contributed to the accident, though officials have not yet issued a final statement.

Rescue teams and investigators were immediately deployed to the crash site, located in a mountainous area of eastern Georgia. Local emergency services worked alongside Turkish officials to recover bodies and secure the wreckage of the aircraft.

The Georgian authorities also expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with Turkish investigators. The crash has prompted discussions on regional air safety and the risks faced by military personnel operating across international routes.

Saudi Arabia’s gesture of solidarity reflects its commitment to supporting allied and friendly nations during humanitarian crises. The Kingdom has often been among the first to offer condolences and humanitarian assistance following natural disasters and tragic events affecting partner countries.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Kingdom stands with Turkiye during this moment of grief, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations. Relations between Riyadh and Ankara have strengthened in recent years through mutual cooperation in diplomacy, trade, and regional security initiatives.

Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defense announced that national mourning would be observed for the fallen soldiers, and flags were flown at half-mast across military institutions. A formal investigation team, including representatives from the Air Force and aviation safety units, has been tasked with reviewing the flight’s maintenance records and operational data.

The C-130 aircraft, commonly used for transport and logistics operations, has a long history of service in many countries’ military fleets. Turkish defense officials stated that the plane was undergoing a scheduled return flight when communication with ground control was lost shortly before the crash.

International condolences have poured in from various governments and organizations, recognizing the sacrifices of the Turkish military personnel who died in service. Saudi Arabia’s message of support joins those from global partners who have expressed their sympathies and shared in Turkiye’s mourning.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by military service members during transport and training missions, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and modernized aircraft systems to prevent similar tragedies.

As Turkiye holds memorial ceremonies for the victims, global attention remains focused on the investigation and the country’s response efforts. Saudi Arabia’s expression of compassion and unity underscores the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the two nations.

Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark and Poland have all said Russian drones or fighter jets have violated their airspace in recent weeks, prompting the NATO alliance to beef up defence around Europe’s eastern flank.

“Within the scope of NATO Assurance Measures, our Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft is carrying out missions in Lithuanian airspace between September 22-25,” the ministry said in its weekly press statement.

AWACS are capable of detecting low-flying drones and other objects that ground radars miss.

The ministry provided no further information.

Poland has shot down some of the drones, and Lithuania’s parliament on Tuesday granted the armed forces powers to shoot down any unmanned drone violating its airspace.

Western officials say Russia is carrying out the airspace violations to test NATO’s readiness and resolve. Estonia and Poland have asked the alliance to open consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty.

Article 4 says members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territory, political independence or security of any of them is threatened.

Turkey, NATO’s second largest army, has strong ties with Russia in areas including energy and tourism. It has condemned Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and provided Kyiv with military support, but refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia as part of a balancing act that it says helps it talk to both sides.