Ankara imposes 13-day ban on protests, drone flights ahead of NATO summit

Authorities in Ankara, Türkiye, have introduced additional security measures ahead of the NATO summit in July, including a 13-day ban on public demonstrations and drone flights, according to a statement from the Ankara Governor’s Office.

“Within the framework of preparations for the 36th NATO Summit, which will be held in Ankara on July 7–8, 2026, the necessary security measures have been taken to ensure both the safety of the summit and the maintenance of public order,” the statement said.

Under the restrictions, all drone flights will be prohibited in the airspace of Ankara Province from 00:00 on June 28 until 23:59 on July 10, 2026. Exceptions will only be granted with special authorisation from the governor’s office.

During the same period, authorities have also banned all public gatherings, demonstrations, press statements, hunger strikes, sit-ins, protests, rallies, the installation of stands and tents, the distribution of leaflets and brochures, and the display of posters and banners in both indoor and outdoor locations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada