Baghdad: Trkiye has announced the deployment of more specialized firefighting aircraft and ground teams to combat the spreading forest fires, particularly in the southwestern provinces. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated that authorities have dispatched additional firefighting aircraft and ground crews to the southwestern provinces of Mugla and Antalya, where fires have been raging for five days, consuming more forests in the mountainous regions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, AFAD added that firefighting operations are facing significant challenges due to high temperatures, strong winds, and the rugged terrain. The statement also indicated that more than 60 fires have been recorded in the southwestern forests since July 29th, and that a hospital was evacuated after the fires approached.

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in coordination with the Mugla Governorate, declared a state of alert to control the fires, emphasizing that operations are continuing without interruption despite the harsh weather conditions.

According to official data from Mugla Governorate, the crisis began on July 29th, following a fire of unknown origin in an agricultural area in the Bayir neighborhood of the Seydikimer district. Due to strong winds, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the surrounding forested areas.

The advancing fire had serious repercussions, leading to the temporary closure of several highways. Turkish authorities confirm that coordination is underway at the highest levels between air and ground teams, with immediate and continuous assessment of the measures taken to protect lives and preserve the remaining green cover in the region.