The drill, named Efes 2009, started in western Muğla province, where navy forces displayed their capability to respond to any threat that may come via the sea. The drill was attended by Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and other commanders.
Eleven frigates, 14 assault boats, three corvettes, eight submarines, 14 ships, four warplanes and eight helicopters conducted military maneuvers during the drill. Participants watched the drills with interest.Gen. Başbuğ praised all army units after the drill and said: “Let Turkey's friends be happy, and others who are not friendly with Turkey be concerned.”
Family members of soldiers who were killed in terrorist attacks also attended the drill, saying they were honored to have been invited. “It is hard to bear the loss of our loved ones. But the strength of the TSK makes us feel safe,” stated Halil Aksu, who had lost his son-in-law in a terrorist attack in southeastern Şırnak province.
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