Türkiye bans drone flights ahead of NATO summit

Türkiye has announced a ban on drone flights and public gatherings in the capital, Ankara, as part of security measures ahead of the 36th NATO Summit scheduled for July 7–8.

The Governor’s Office said between June 28 and July 10, all gatherings, demonstrations, marches, press conferences, and similar activities will be prohibited across the city, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The statement noted that the necessary security measures have been introduced to ensure the safety of the summit, maintain public order, and safeguard citizens’ peace and security.

It also said that unauthorised entry and movement of vehicles and individuals into designated restricted areas — particularly around summit venues, accommodation sites for delegations, and their travel routes — will be blocked.

In addition, the authorities announced that the use of all unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) will be banned in Ankara during the specified period unless authorised by the governor’s office.

All public and indoor or outdoor events, including protests, rallies, sit-ins, hunger strikes, demonstrations, press statements, leaflet distribution, and the display of banners and posters, will also be prohibited for 13 days — from 00:00 on June 28 until 23:59 on July 10.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov