Turkey, Looting and Factional Fighting... Deteriorating Security Hampering Rescue Efforts

Frequent Looting and Armed Clashes Due to Essential Goods Shortage
Rescue Operations in Austria and Germany Temporarily Halted

The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has surpassed 25,000. Amid this, the worsening security situation is causing difficulties, including the suspension of rescue operations.

On the 11th (local time), the British BBC reported, "Rescue efforts are being delayed due to looting and armed clashes between factions on the ground."

Recently in Turkey, incidents of looting empty houses or breaking into store windows to steal goods have frequently occurred in the earthquake-affected areas. The biggest cause is the shortage of essential supplies such as food. A resident who runs an electronics store said, "We have no choice but to steal food or baby wipes. No relief supplies arrived at all during the first few days after the earthquake."

Some have looted valuable items such as mobile phones from clothing and electronics stores or even ripped out entire ATMs. Bloomberg, citing Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, reported, "At least 48 people have been arrested on charges of looting buildings or extorting survivors through phone scams in the affected areas." There was also an incident where someone impersonating a relief worker intercepted six truckloads of food.

In particular, the security situation in the southern Hatay province is reported to be severe. According to the BBC, nearly 50 people were arrested and numerous firearms confiscated following factional clashes in the Hatay area on the 11th. As a result, German and Austrian rescue teams have temporarily suspended their operations.

The Greater Hatay region in southern Turkey devastated by the earthquake [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Austrian rescue team decided to halt rescue activities until safety in Hatay is guaranteed. Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis, a spokesperson for the Austrian military, said on the day, "Factional disputes are rapidly increasing in Turkey," adding, "Due to clashes between unidentified groups, dozens of rescue workers have taken refuge at the base camp." One rescue worker stated, "There was nothing we could do because the looters were armed with weapons."

The German rescue team also suspended operations due to security concerns. German rescue team spokesperson Stefan Heine said, "The situation could worsen further," but added, "We will resume rescue efforts as soon as the situation is deemed safe."

Hatay resident Aylin Kabasakal told AFP, "We are protecting our homes and cars from looters. Authorities need to step in to provide protection." In response, Turkish authorities announced they would strictly crack down on looters and deployed police to areas with unstable security.

On the 11th, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, visiting the southeastern city of Diyarbakır to assess earthquake damage, stated, "Those involved in crimes such as looting or kidnapping must know that the state is watching." He also announced plans to strengthen punishments, including extending the detention period for looting suspects by three days.