A large-scale operation has been launched with 734 personnel, 7 aircraft, 14 helicopters, and 215 vehicles.
The forest fire that began in the rural areas of Latakia, Syria, and spread to the Turkish border continues to impact the Yayladağı district of Hatay. AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) announced that intensive efforts are ongoing to combat the blaze, with 734 personnel, 7 aircraft, 14 helicopters, and 215 vehicles actively engaged in response efforts.
Heightened Alert Along the Border
In a statement, AFAD confirmed that parts of the fire reaching the Yayladağı border have been brought under control. However, cooling and monitoring efforts are ongoing due to the risk of reignition. Teams from the General Directorate of Forestry, AFAD, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, Yayladağı Municipality, Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Police Department, State Hydraulic Works, 112 Emergency Services, Turkish Red Crescent, and various NGOs are coordinating closely in the firefighting efforts.
AFAD President Pehlivan Arrives in the Region
AFAD President Ali Hamza Pehlivan, accompanied by Vice President Dr. Önder Bozkurt and Director General of Disaster Response Dr. Sadi Ergin, arrived in the region to directly coordinate response operations. Aerial and ground units remained on duty throughout the night, while careful cooling efforts are being carried out in areas where the fire has been contained.
Risk Remains, All Teams on High Alert
In its latest update, AFAD stated:
“There is still a risk of reignition in areas along our border where the fire has been brought under control. All our institutions and field teams remain on alert and continue their operations. We thank all personnel working on the ground.”
