Stories from Turkey

The General Directorate stated that no public hospitals providing health services are being sold. The General Directorate of Health Investments issued a statement clarifying that no active hospitals or currently used lands are being privatized. The ministry addressed rumors circulating on virtual media regarding the sale of healthcare facilities.

An investigation has been launched into District Governor Muharrem Eligül following social media posts regarding his role. A civil inspector has been appointed to oversee the inquiry. The investigation follows an incident during April 23 celebrations in Ankara where the district governor reportedly shared posts in both Turkish and Arabic. The outcome of the investigation is expected to be determined in the coming process. Özgür Özel spoke during a party group meeting regarding an investigation into the Ayaş District Governor. The investigation follows social media posts directed at Ankara MP Umut Akduan. Özel expressed gratitude to the Ankara Governor and the Minister of Interior for initiating the probe. He stated he has nothing further to say to the officials after they performed their duties.

A man named İnanç Öktemay died after being electrocuted while attempting to rescue Özge Ceren Deniz, who had stepped into a puddle in Izmir. Local electricity distribution services highlighted a lack of regulatory framework and said the need for joint management with local authorities.

MHP leader Devlet Bahceli reacted to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's comments regarding European autonomy from Russian, Turkish, or Chinese influence. Bahceli stated that Turkey has the power to respond to those attempting to marginalize it. He warned that if Europe continues to view Turkey as a secondary element to be called upon only when needed, it will face consequences. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli responded sharply to comments made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding European influence. Bahçeli stated that the language used by the Commission President is problematic and noted that Brussels cannot dictate terms to Turkey. He characterized the assessment as an attempt to show Turkey its place. AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik criticized French President Emmanuel Macron regarding statements made in Greece.

Aselsan has developed a new physical interception system designed to counter mini and micro drones on the battlefield. The system is integrated onto armored vehicles and utilizes the Korkut system alongside particle-effect ammunition. This technology provides a cost-effective alternative for defending against high-density threats such as drone swarms. Aselsan has developed a counter-drone system capable of rapid reaction against threats like swarm UAV attacks. The system utilizes Korkut firing control algorithms and automatic target positioning to engage targets. It can be integrated into various platforms ranging from wheeled vehicles to fixed facilities. The system uses Atom 25 ammunition, which is programmed to detonate at a specific time in front of the target rather than requiring a direct hit.

Flooding has submerged 10 homes in a rural neighborhood consisting of 45 total households and a population of 161. Local authorities had previously issued warnings regarding meteorological conditions and water levels. AFAD teams are on-site monitoring the area and interacting with residents. Some residents remain in the area, though others had been previously evacuated. The water has reached a point where roads are no longer passable. AFAD teams are currently on-site managing the situation.

Two information technology staff members were released under judicial control following statements from a former chief physician.

Nine suspects have been arrested, including former Şerefal Bayraktı, a former mayor of Halifeti. Bayraktı previously served as a trustee mayor between 2017 and 2019 before being elected as the AK Party mayor in the 2019 elections. Fourteen suspects were released under judicial control following their statements.

Police in Istanbul detained a 17-year-old suspect following an armed attack that left a 17-year-old youth seriously injured. Police have apprehended the suspect, according to the report. A 17-year-old boy, Yusuf Arda Özere, is fighting for his life in intensive care following a shooting in Istanbul. The assailant was found with a weapon and fled the scene with three accomplices before being apprehended. One bullet struck the teenager, who was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Police have captured the attacker who fled with three others. Police conducting security inspections in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul, stopped a vehicle being driven by a 13-year-old child. The child's father was reportedly sitting next to him in the vehicle. The incident follows requests from the family of Rojvelat Kizmaz to reopen an investigation.

A driver in Istanbul's Büyükçekmece district was reportedly followed for an extended period by a group that threatened them. The impact caused the minibus to strike a barrier and come to a halt. The service minibus driver sustained injuries but is reported to be in non-life-threatening condition. A driver operating a public bus hit a middle school student in Istanbul during the morning hours. The student was attempting to cross the street using a pedestrian crossing with her mother. Security camera footage captured the incident, which occurred after the driver allegedly failed to stop at a red light. The student was struck while attempting to cross the road. Authorities are investigating a vehicle linked to the disappearance of university student Gülistan Doku, who went missing in Tunceli six years ago.