‘Those Who Are Capable of Burning Their Own Homeland Will Face the Harshest Punishment’ - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

The Turkish authorities are investigating the causes of the severe forest fires raging in the south of the country, considering the possibility of arson, as stated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to RIA Novosti.

“We are thoroughly examining the causes of the fires. If there are traitors who are capable of burning their own homeland, they will face the harshest punishment,” Erdoğan said during a speech at the crisis center in Antalya, where he arrived to assess the situation in the disaster areas.

President Erdoğan announced the arrest of a suspect who may be involved in the mass arson of forests in the country, reported TASS agency. “One person has been arrested in connection with the fire that broke out in Milas. It is our duty to find those who are burning our forests,” Erdoğan stated at a press conference in the city of Marmaris.

Earlier, it was reported that the Turkish authorities are investigating the causes of the severe forest fires in the south of the country, considering the possibility of arson. “We are thoroughly examining the causes of the fires. If there are traitors who are capable of burning their own homeland, they will face the harshest punishment,” Erdoğan stated during his speech at the Antalya crisis center.

It should be noted that the number of those affected by the wildfires in Turkey has reached 410. Forest fires are raging in southern regions of Turkey. Fires have been recorded in the provinces of Adana, Antalya, Muğla, Mersin, and Osmaniye, and they have all been brought under control. Forests near the famous resorts of Bodrum and Marmaris are burning, leading to the evacuation of guests from hotels in those areas.

Russia has sent five Il-76 aircraft and three Mi-8 helicopters to Turkey to assist in extinguishing the fires, and an aviation team will also be dispatched.

To restore the areas affected by the wildfires, $5.91 million will be allocated. This was announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a visit to the Manavgat district of Antalya province, as reported by Anadolu. According to him, citizens whose homes have burned down will receive financial support for temporary housing, and the houses will be rebuilt in accordance with local architecture.