A drone of unknown origin was discovered in Turkey, marking yet another incident involving unmanned aerial vehicles in the region. This revelation comes less than a day after a suspected Russian drone crashed in the northwest part of the country, raising further concerns over the implications of ongoing military tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The drone was located in an empty field near Balikesir, a town approximately three hours southwest of Istanbul. Reports from independent television networks and the Cumhuriyet newspaper indicate that the Turkish authorities have not yet formally commented on the discovery. Nonetheless, broadcasters Halk TV and Haberturk confirmed that the drone has been transported to Ankara for detailed analysis.
Witnesses, including local farmers, noted that the crash appears to have occurred several days prior to its discovery. This incident follows two similar occurrences since the beginning of the week, heightening Turkey’s apprehension toward the potential escalation of conflict in the region due to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkish officials have already attributed the downing of another drone, found near the city of Izmit—a region that has recently seen maritime strikes—to Russia. The Turkish Interior Ministry, which has initiated an investigation into the incident, stated that this drone was believed to be of the Russian-made Orlan-10 type, typically utilized for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
In light of these events, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed concerns about the Black Sea becoming a “zone of confrontation” between the two nations. This area holds strategic significance, with Russia and Ukraine positioned on opposite shores, and Turkey’s role as a mediating state is becoming increasingly critical amid rising tensions. The Turkish government continues to caution both parties against allowing their conflict to extend beyond its borders, emphasizing the importance of regional stability.
