Unauthorized drone flying over Anıtkabir causes panic

ANKARA

AFP File Photo

An unauthorized octocopter drone flying over Anıtkabir during the Victory Day celebrations caused panic while the army considered shooting down the drone, daily Hürriyet online has reported. 

The drone flew over Atatürk’s mausoleum in Ankara during an official ceremony to celebrate Victory Day, the 93rd anniversary of Turkish victory against Greek forces at the final battle in the War of Independence. 

Political leaders, including Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and military commanders attended the ceremony. 


As the escort of honor was getting ready for the ceremony, an army officer approached journalists, asking whether the drone had to do with their channels or agencies. 

“An octocopter is flying and taking pictures. Does it have anything to do with you? If not, we are going to shoot it down,” the officer was reported as saying.

Reporters from the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) asked to check with their office.

It was soon revealed the drone belonged to the state-run TRT.

Reports indicate that TRT did not ask for authorization to fly the drone.