Saudi Arabia sends condolences to Turkiye after 20 troops die in plane crash
Saudi Arabia sends condolences to Turkiye after 20 troops die in plane crash/node/2622419/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia sends condolences to Turkiye after 20 troops die in plane crash
Investigators stand next to debris at a crash site of a Turkish military cargo plane in Georgia's Sighnaghi municipality, close to the Azerbaijani border on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP)
Saudi Arabia sends condolences to Turkiye after 20 troops die in plane crash
Ankara says the soldiers were killed when a military transport flying from Azerbaijan to Turkiye crashed in Georgia
It was the deadliest incident involving Turkish troops since 2020, when 33 soldiers were killed in combat in Syria
Updated 13 November 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday evening sent condolences to authorities in Turkiye after a Turkish military aircraft crashed in Sighnaghi, eastern Georgia, killing 20 soldiers.
In its message, the ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s solidarity with the government of Turkiye after the tragic incident, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Earlier, Ankara had confirmed that 20 of its soldiers died the previous day when a C-130 cargo plane serving as a military transport crashed in Georgia while flying from Azerbaijan to Turkiye. It was the deadliest incident involving the NATO member state’s troops since 2020, when 33 soldiers were killed in combat in Syria.
Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan
Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
Updated 35 min 49 sec ago
Arab News
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
