August 18, 2021
We are pleased that two CH-47 Chinook helicopters provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. European Command could participate in a joint effort to fight fires in Turkey’s Mugla, Dalaman region. The helicopters completed water bucket drops in support of the firefighting effort. We commend the dedicated and successful efforts of Turkish firefighting teams to contain the wildfires. After consultation with Turkish authorities, the two CH-47 Chinook helicopters have concluded their mission in Turkey, just as other international partners are also scaling back their engagement. The United States Government will always stand with our Turkish Allies. We look forward to continuing our cooperation on training and capacity development so that both nations will be prepared to respond to future emergencies.