At least four people have been killed in a fireworks factory explosion in Sakarya province in Turkey. According to authorities who confirmed the incident, 97 people were injured in the explosion. The noise from the blast was heard around 30 miles from the scene, sending dozens of people into panic.
Tag: Turkey
Turkey Convicts Human Rights Activists of “Terrorism”
According to Amnesty International, a court in Istanbul on Friday sentenced Taner Kilic, the group’s former chairman in Turkey, to more than six years in prison for “membership in a terrorist group.” The court also convicted three other human rights activists, including Idil Eser, of charges of aiding a “terror group.”
Turkey Begins Khashoggi Murder Trial
A court in Istanbul has kicked off the trial of 20 Saudis today. They are accused by Turkish authorities of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Two of the accused are considered close associates to the heir to the Saudi Arabian throne, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
Turkey Delays Decision on Hagia Sophia
The Council of State in Turkey is considering a request by several organizations to convert the former Hagia Sophia Church into a new mosque. Anatolia News Agency reported that the decision may be made within the next 15 days at the latest. The issue has raised a great deal of concern from abroad.
Maas, Cavusoglu Meet to Discuss Tourism
Turkey, and especially its coasts, attract tens of thousands of German tourists each year. Now the situation has changed with the prevalence of COVID-19. Turkey is on the list of countries the German Foreign Ministry has warned against visiting. Previously, nothing seemed to stop German tourists from going to the Turkish coast to spend their holidays.
Oxfam Blasts Greek Asylum System
Oxfam, in collaboration with the Greek Refugee Council, has published a report on the implications of the new Greek asylum law. According to the organization’s officials, the changes in the Greek asylum law practically mean violating the binding standards of European altruism.
Sudan Arrests “Mercenaries” En Route to Libya
Sudanese authorities announced that they had arrested 122 people who were on their way to Libya to “work as mercenaries,” according to the official SUNA news agency. The Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) has long accused Sudanese mercenaries of supporting the forces of Khalifa Haftar.
Russia Waits as Turkey to Resume Operations in Idlib
According to Russian news outlet avia.pro, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that it is time for Turkey to actively continue its military operations in Syria’s Idlib province. The publication quoted him as saying that the Turkish military will continue to fight all “terrorist organizations” that pose a threat to Turkey’s security, whether inside its borders or outside them.
Sisi: Egypt Ready to Intervene in Libya
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed in a speech on Saturday, broadcast on Egyptian television, that Egypt’s direct entry into Libya “has become available to international legitimacy,” and involves goals. Sisi said this while inspecting the Egyptian army units in the western military zone.
Adieu, Turkey? Ankara Angers France Over Libya
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey’s actions in Libya by the hands of militants transferred to the region threaten the European Union. Furthermore, France will not allow anyone to annex the Mediterranean Sea. The Head of the French Foreign Ministry said this in an interview with the French newspaper, La Croix.
Russia, Turkey, and Libya – What is their Strategy?
On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu flew to Turkey, and are holding meetings pertaining the situation in Libya. Since the overthrow and killing of the Libyan leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi, in 2011, Libya became a divided state.
Could China’s New Transport Corridor Be Used For Defense Purposes?
China has opened a new transport corridor to Uzbekistan bypassing Kazakhstan. It will be the first part of an international corridor from China to Europe without transit through Kazakhstan and Russia. Currently, the future of the relations between China and Russia are unclear. There have been calls by a Russian oligarch to investigate China not only for the coronavirus, but also for their environment violations.
Russian Mercenaries in Libya – Lists Are Here
Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi was murdered in 2011. There after, Libya became a divided state. Gaddafi, commonly known as Colonel Gaddafi, was a Libyan revolutionary, politician, and political theorist. Shortly after his death, it was announced that the war in Libya was over. In reality, the war mutated with a new trajectory.
Putin and Erdogan Plays “Syria Game” in Libya
The recent crackdown on rebel leader General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Libya has made it increasingly clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to take over covert control of the country’s future. Turkey provides military assistance to support of the government in Tripoli, while Gen. Haftar’s army has several thousand Russian “mercenaries.”
Renault Lays Off Employees, Turkey Lays Taxes on Imports
French automaker Renault has announced that it will lay off 15,000 employees worldwide for an estimated €2 billion in savings, and 4,600 of the employees to be laid off are from France. It is stated that the rest will be from those working in the production centers of the company in other countries. Renault has nearly 180,000 employees in 39 countries.
Coronavirus — Turkey Fearful of Second Wave, Africa Least-Affected Region
Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced 29 new deaths from COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the death toll in the country to 4,369. Koca also tweeted that 987 new cases had been confirmed, for a total of 157,814 in Turkey. The total number of patients who have recovered in Turkey has exceeded 120,000.
Coronavirus — New Cases in Turkey, New Programs in Ukraine
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced Friday that the number of coronavirus cases in Turkey increased by 1,708 over the previous 24 hours and the number of deaths by 48. That brings the total number of cases in the country to 146,457 and 4,055 deaths. Koca, however, said that conditions in the country were improving.
Coronavirus — Turkey Imposes 4-Day Curfew
A four-day curfew has started in 14 metropolitan cities in Turkey, including Zonguldak. The curfew will continue until the night of May 19. “Movement restriction will be applied again on May 16-17-18-19,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the cabinet meeting. A curfew was imposed in 31 cities for four days since April 23.
A Mystery at the World’s First Religious Temple Göbekli Tepe is Solved
A hidden geometric structure was found in the large-scale religious building of Göbekli Tepe, an archaeological site in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey approximately 12 km northeast of the city of Şanlıurfa. The tell has a height of 15 m and is about 300 m in diameter. It is approximately 760 m above sea level.
Turkey Intelligence Gathering in US and Canada Revealed
Nordic Monitor published classified information about surveillance operations by the Turkish intelligence services in the US and other nations around the globe. According to the documentation, the Turkish President has been authorizing intelligence operations to spy on critics of Turkey. The documentation seems to have a stamp from the Turkish government agency established in 2016 under the Turkish National Security Agenda.
Coronavirus: Syrian Refugee Shot Dead by Turkish Police
A 17-year-old Syrian refugee, who allegedly failed to comply with the country’s coronavirus curfew restrictions, was shot dead by police. Ali el Hemdan was returning home after work on Monday when the police arrested him on a routine check, according to several testimonies collected by a section of the nation’s local media.
Coronavirus: Turkey to Release 90,000 Prisoners, Excluding Dissidents
Turkey is preparing a new law to reduce the sentences and release about 90,000 prisoners to limit the spread of covid-19 in prisons. The measure is controversial as it excludes journalists and political prisoners. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in power since 2002, forwarded to Parliament the draft law aimed at reducing prison overcrowding, owing to the danger posed by the covid-19 pandemic.
Turkey Indicts 20 Saudis for Khashoggi Murder
Turkish prosecutors announced on Wednesday that it had formally charged 20 Saudis, two among them very close associates of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known by the acronym MBS, for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government.
Pompeo Says Russia Killed Dozens of Turkish Soldiers
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for the death of 34 Turkish soldiers following an airstrike that took out Turkey’s military positions in Idlib last month. He made the following statement about the incident on Tuesday during a news conference with reporters.
Coronavirus Forces Turkish, European Leaders to Conference from Home
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s four-day summit with European leaders was scheduled to take place in Istanbul, but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Instead, the meeting was held by video conferencing. Heads of state and government discussed ways to send humanitarian aid to Idlib, in northern Syria, and the issue of Syrian refugees.
Demonstrators Flocked to Russian-Turkish Patrols Road in Idlib
Hundreds of protesters flocked to the Aleppo-Lattakia road in Idlib Governorate to protest against the Russian-Turkish patrols on the way. Hundreds of civilians flocked to the international road near Arihah and set tires to prevent the passage of Russian-Turkish joint patrols along the M4. Dozens had been in tents erected three days ago on the road, and there were calls for a demonstration in the area.
Erdogan Refuses to Close Borders Until EU Meets Obligations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that until the EU agreed to meet all of his demands, it would continue to open the border and allow refugees in Turkey to travel to Europe. “Until all expectations are met in a concrete way, we will continue our current practice at our borders,” Erdogan said.
Coronavirus: First Case Detected in Turkey, No End in Sight Worldwide
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca reported that the first coronavirus case was confirmed in Turkey. “The infected individual contracted the virus after returning from Europe. He has been completely isolated,” Koca said. “The patient’s general condition is good. All of his family members and those who came into contact with him are under surveillance,” he added.
Erdogan to Meet with Merkel and Macron on Refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday he would meet next week with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and, possibly, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. They will meet on March 17 to discuss the refugee problem, Erdogan told the Turkish state news agency Anadolu on his return to Turkey from Brussels.
Erdogan Calls for European Support in Syria, EU Refuses to “Succumb to Blackmail”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that resolving the migration crisis requires European support in Syria, as new clashes between refugees and police on the border with Greece began. “If European countries want to resolve the issue, they must support Turkey’s efforts for political and humanitarian solutions in Syria,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara on Wednesday.
Turkey Accuses Greece of Firing on Migrants; One Dead, Several Injured
Tensions between Turkey and Greece remain high after Ankara decided last week to open its borders with Europe. In order to find a solution as soon as possible, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell continues his tour of the Turkish capital.
Who Will Be First to Start Covert Action in Turkey to Remove Erdogan, USA or Russia?
A voluminous 300-page report released last month by the RAND Corporation released titled “Turkey’s Nationalist Path-Implications For The US-Turkish Cooperation Strategy And The US Army” indicates that the Turkish government’s decision to dismiss hundreds of army officers after the failed 2016 coup in Ankara caused widespread discontent in the country’s armed forces.
Idlib Crisis: Moscow Does Not Want War with Turkey
The crisis surrounding the Idlib region in northern Syria has put the fragile Russia-Turkey alliance under new stress. Moscow neither wants a direct military confrontation with Ankara, nor does it want to break away from Idlib’s assessment of terrorist lairs, and certainly not from the support of the Syrian regime.
Turkey Opens the Gates, Greeks Meet Migrants with Tear Gas
The troops of the Greek Army conducted extensive target practice on the islands east of the Aegean Sea and the river Evros on Monday. This is a report by the Greek national television station, quoted by the Ministry of Defense of Athens. From the commentator’s point of view, the exercise was Athens’ response to the increase in the number of immigrants transferred from Turkey to Lesbos, Chios, and Samos the previous day.
Coronavirus Fears Present Phenomenal Opportunities for Savvy Income Investors
As fears of the continued global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to drive financial markets to new lows, savvy investors should take note of the excellent opportunities that this massive global sell-off is creating.
The World Health Organization on Coronaviruses:
“Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.”
Turkey Opens the Gates to Europe After Syrian Attack in Idlib
Senior Turkish officials say Turkey will no longer stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe after 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike in northwestern Syria’s Idlib area. The opening of the border may lead to a repeat of the immigration crisis in 2015-2016, when more than one million people will reach Greece by sea and walk across the Balkans, until Turkey and Iran close the border after reaching an agreement.
At Least 33 Turkish Soldiers Killed by Syrian Air Attack in Idlib
At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike carried out on Thursday by the Syrian regime in the north-west of the country. It is a record number of fatalities for Turkey in a single day since 2016. This episode represents a serious escalation in the direct conflict between Turkey and the Russian-backed Syrian regime forces that has been fought since the beginning of February.
NATO Council Meeting Wrapped Up – What Are the Options in Syria for Turkey and Russia?
At the request of Turkey, NATO held an emergency council meeting. The Turkish Newspaper Yeni Safak published an article titled “The NATO crisis meeting has ended. Stoltenberg: we will protect Turkey from the air-air attacks from Syria will stop.” Yeni Şafak is a conservative Turkish daily newspaper that always supports Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AK Party. Overall, it has close ties to the Turkish government and could be considered a Turkish pro-government propaganda paper.
US Imposes Additional Sanctions – How Does It Affect Russia’s Weapons Industry?
The United States imposes sanctions on 13 foreign entities and individuals in Russia, China, Iraq, and Turkey under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). The announcement was confirmed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on @twitter.
The Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act authorizes the United States to impose sanctions against foreign individuals, private entities, and governments that engage in proliferation activities.
Coronavirus: Eight Dead in Iran, Most Outside China
Iran became the country with the second-highest number of deaths caused by the new coronavirus Sunday. Iran currently has eight recorded deaths, the most outside China. The situation has led some of its neighboring countries to close their borders, or ban travel to Iran altogether, in fear of the spread of the deadly disease.
Turkish Death Toll Rises to 16 in Idlib
A Turkish soldier was killed in a bomb attack by the Assad regime in Syria’s Idlib area, becoming the sixteenth Turkish soldier to die in the area this month. A statement issued from the Turkish province of Gaziantep said that the deceased was a tank repairman. Turkey has sent thousands of soldiers and military equipment to areas south of its borders to resist the attack by Assad forces in order to regain control of areas controlled by opposition fighters.
Turkey Faces Major Idlib Dilemma
Unsuccessful negotiations between Russian and Turkish diplomats, and the UN Security Council have doused all hope of easing tensions in Idlib, Syria. In anticipation, Ankara has asked the United States to deploy Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to the Turkey–Syrian border. The U.S. Embassy in Turkey has, however, declined to comment on the matter.
Turkey Analysis – Will Kremlin Retaliate with a Covert Operation Against Erdogan?
The results of the new survey are available pertaining to the approval of the head of state of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The poll results were posted on Twitter by the @Metropol. The survey posed a straightforward question of whether or not the public approves of the current head of state’s activities. Thus far Erdogan is at a 41.9% approval rate.
Russian-Turkish Talks End with no Result
Thе first dау of the Ruѕѕіаn-Turkіѕh tаlkѕ on Idlіb еndеd Mоndау іn Moscow wіth no rеѕult. Ankаrа соntіnuеѕ tо transfer іtѕ mіlіtаrу еԛuірmеnt tо northern Syria аnd соntіnuеѕ to demand the іmmеdіаtе wіthdrаwаl оf the Syrian аrmу frоm its роѕіtіоnѕ. Moscow bеlіеvеѕ thаt Ankаrа fаіlеd the tаѕk of ѕераrаtіng thе tеrrоrіѕtѕ аnd the аrmеd орроѕіtіоn, but at thе same tіmе, thеу аrе tаlkіng about full undеrѕtаndіng between the Ruѕѕіаn аnd Turkіѕh mіlіtаrу.
Geopolitics in the Middle East Takes a New Turn
Turkey faced Russia, formerly a convenient regional ally, in Syria, where Moscow had previously entrenched as a second-rate superpower, and Ankara tasted neo-Ottoman nostalgia. The shocks from this story have been felt for a long time, and their epicenter is located in Idlib in northwestern Syria.
Syria: UN Reports Half-Million Displaced by Fighting in Idlib
On Tuesday, a spokesman for the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, David Swanson, reported that more than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes in Idlib over the last two months. “Since 1 December, some 520,000 people have been displaced from their homes, the vast majority – 80 percent – of them women and children,” he said. Swanson noted that their movement in winter exacerbated the already “terrible humanitarian situation in the region.”
Idlib: Clashes Test Relations Between Russia and Turkey
The bloodshed between Turkey and Syrian government forces in the northwestern province of Idlib created an opportunity for an open confrontation between two neighboring states. The death of eight Turkish troops during the Syrian bombardment also posed a threat to good relations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the main supporter of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Libya: Turkey and France Accuse Each Other of Breaking Cease Fire
Less than two weeks after the Libyan conference in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to Macron, Turkey has broken its promise not to interfere in the affairs of the troubled North African state. The French president views the issue as a “clear violation” of what was agreed in Berlin.
Turkey Earthquake: Rescuers Battle Freezing Temperatures, Time, as Death Toll Rises
At least 45 people have been saved as the death toll rose to 36 in Turkey’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake. A toddler was among those saved on Sunday, a footage emerged showing a two-year-old girl being rescued. The toddler who was covered in dust was seen smiling in the arms of a rescue worker. Turkish rescue teams who are working against the clock against freezing temperatures, pulled out more survivors from collapsed buildings on Sunday. More than 1,550 people were injured, including 34 who are in the Intensive Care Unit.
Turkish Earthquake Kills 35, Injures 1,600
Rescuers continued operations on Sunday to search for survivors under the rubble of buildings in the Turkish city of Elazig, in the east of the country, after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the region on Friday night, leaving at least 35 people dead. A total of 45 people were removed alive from the rubble, government officials said.
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