Minister Soylu: More than 70 thousand Police Officers are on Duty in 10 Provinces Affected by the Earthquake
Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu stated that more than 70 thousand Police officers, more than 60 thousand Gendarmerie units and 1 thousand Coast Guard personnel were on duty in the 10 provinces affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake, which was described as the "disaster of the century".
Making a statement at the Kahramanmaraş Disaster Crisis Management Center, Soylu stated that they have experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in the world and that the state and the nation were mobilized with all its resources for aid and solidarity.
Stating that they had to struggle against false allegations targetting the unity of the nation, Soylu said that a person claiming that an Afghan cut off the arms of an earthquake victim and stole gold bracelets, was detained in Adıyaman.
Stressing that there are people who say that terrorists will take action in the Samandağı city of Hatay, Soylu emphasized that they are faced with a language that tries to spread the understanding that there is theft, looting and insecurity in Türkiye.
Emphasizing that no one should underestimate the state, Soylu stated that they will bring people that toy with the feelings of the nation to account through the law.
Stressing that people from all over Türkiye are struggling, Soylu said that everyone works in unity and solidarity to help those who are waiting for their relatives to be rescued from the debris.
230 People Have Been Detained Related to the Events
Stating that they are struggling with lies and disinformation, Minister Soylu noted that 416 incidents occurred between 6-11 January, including "robbery", "snatching", "pickpocketing and looting". Pointing out that before the earthquake the number of such incidents were 586, Soylu condemned the actions to demoralize the nation.
Reporting that in addition to the Police, Gendarmerie and Coast Guard, a total of 131 thousand personnel work as reinforcements in 10 provinces, Soylu emphasized that in addition to the security units, 79 helicopters have reached inaccessible villages, and are constantly transporting patients. Saying that “no crime go unpunished,” Soylu noted that 230 people were detained and more than 20 people were arrested regarding the incidents.
Reminding a statement of a chairman of a political party saying that "Beware of property sales to foreigners in Hatay", Soylu said that property sales to foreigners were prohibited in Hatay in 1980. Soylu also noted that such property sales from treasury lands were also completely prohibited with a decision taken by the Cabinet in 2011.
Stating that there are shameful allegations that the number of casualties are being withheld which do not reflect the truth, Soylu said that there are prosecutors, forensic experts and doctors assigned in the field.
Soylu emphasized that 1000 aid trucks arrived in Kahramanmaraş and 800 of them were directed to the districts and villages.
