Pentagon offers condolences for Turkey helicopter crash

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - US Department of Defense on Monday offered condolences to Turkey over the military helicopter crash last week.

"The @DeptofDefense is saddened by last week’s tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the loss of Turkish soldiers in southeast Turkey," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby wrote on Twitter.

"We offer deepest condolences to our NATO Ally Turkey on the lives lost and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured," he added.

At least 11 Turkish soldiers, including a corps commander, were martyred and two others injured after the helicopter crashed in the eastern Bitlis province. On Friday, a funeral service was held in the capital Ankara, attended by Turkish president and other senior officials.