Turkey Cancels Three Joint Military Exercises with Israeli Armed Forces

[Lankan Ranger]

Turkey Cancels Three Joint Military Exercises with Israeli Armed Forces

Bulent Arinc, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister have said that Ankara was withdrawing its ambassador to Israel and announced Turkey has cancelled three joint military exercises scheduled to be held with Israeli armed forces.

Arinc also said Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul called his Israeli counterpart requesting security and immediate repatriation of the Turkish citizens held under arrest. "We want to treat the wounded in Turkey and emergency helicopters are ready for the task", Arinc said. "Israel's assault is a sort of piracy in the open sea. Israel should lift the embargo (on the Gaza Strip) and deliver the (donated) aid to the Palestinian people".

ASIAN DEFENCE: Turkey Ccancels Three Joint Military Exercises with Israeli Armed Forces

 

[Lankan Ranger]

Turkey sees no impact on Heron UAV delivery

Turkey’s Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Tuesday a diplomatic crisis with Israel after the Jewish state stormed a Turkish-backed aid convoy will not affect the planned delivery of Israel-made Heron drones to Turkey.

Israel’s long-time Muslim ally Turkey has recalled its envoy to Israel and cancelled joint military exercises after Israeli marines raided an aid flotilla bound for Gaza on Monday. Earlier this year, the two countries, which have a close military alliance, wrapped up the purchase of 10 Heron drones in a deal worth $180 million.

ASIAN DEFENCE: Turkey sees no impact on Heron UAV delivery