Balikesir: A Turkish F-16 fighter jet belonging to the 9th Air Base Command crashed during a mission in Balikesir province in western Turkey early Wednesday morning.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu shared information about the incident on social media, confirming his arrival at the crash site in the Naybeli district. The crash occurred on the international highway connecting the provinces of Izmir and Istanbul. After receiving a briefing from officials, Ustaoglu confirmed that the F-16 fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff.

Turkish authorities announced their commitment to closely monitoring all aspects of the crash while coordinating with relevant agencies. They extended their condolences to the pilot’s family and the Turkish people. The Turkish Ministry of the Interior stated on its social media accounts that radio contact with the aircraft was lost at 12:56 AM local time, prompting immediate search and rescue operations. The aircraft’s wreckage was later located and is currently being recovered.

The Ministry emphasized that the causes of the crash will be determined following a technical examination by the crash investigation team. They reiterated their dedication to overseeing the operation from all perspectives, ensuring full coordination with the relevant institutions.