Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Links Kurds to Blazing Forest Fires in Turkey

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has linked the Kurdish population to the raging forest fires in the country. He stated that among those arrested in connection with the fires, there are individuals associated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, according to Ahval.

He emphasized that the police, intelligence services, and gendarmerie are continuing their investigations, assuring that "everything necessary will be done." Erdoğan also blamed opposition parties for not taking sufficient measures against the forest fires.

"It is the government's duty to take care of all these forests, restore them, and above all, put out the fires," Erdoğan said. He added, "At the same time, the responsibility for fires in residential areas rests with the municipalities."

The mayors of Antalya, Muğla, İzmir, and Aydın, led by the main opposition Republican People's Party, "bear primary responsibility," he continued.

The government has faced criticism for a delayed and inadequate response to the forest fires, with critics accusing Erdoğan's cabinet of exploiting the situation. The Turkish Aviation Association (THK) reportedly received no funding for the maintenance of its firefighting aircraft fleet, and currently several planes remain on the ground as they are not ready for flight.

A campaign has begun among Turkish users on social media, calling on the international community to send help to Turkey in the form of aircraft and helicopters to aid in the fight against the fires. "The fact that we are strong should annoy them," Erdoğan stated. "A campaign has started against this, called 'Strong Turkey.'"