An F-16 fighter jet that took off from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir crashed at night in the rural area of Naifli village, located in the central district of Karesi, near the İzmir-İstanbul Highway. Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat was martyred in the accident.
A farewell ceremony was held at the 9th Main Jet Base Command for the martyr pilot's body to be sent to his hometown.
The ceremony was attended by Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın, the martyr pilot's family, political party representatives, and military and civilian officials.
Following the recitation of prayers, the martyr's body was carried on the shoulders of soldiers to the aircraft and sent to his hometown of İzmir.
News Source: İHA
