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Colonel Sayit Gökgöz was killed in a military vehicle accident in Ankara, and two service members were injured, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense announced. The ministry said the accident occurred on 24 October 2026 and that Gökgöz died as a result.

Treatment for the two injured personnel is continuing in hospital, according to the statement. Cabinet ministers and the presidency's communications director also issued messages of condolence to Gökgöz's family and the Turkish Armed Forces.

Defense Ministry confirms the accident

The Ministry of National Defense said a military vehicle was involved in an accident in Ankara in which Colonel Sayit Gökgöz was killed. Two personnel were also injured in the incident, and their treatment is proceeding in hospital, the ministry said.

In its statement, the ministry extended condolences to the family of the colonel and to the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish nation, saying the incident had caused deep sorrow and grief. The ministry also wished a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.

Four cabinet ministers offer condolences

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek wrote on the social media platform NSosyal that Gökgöz held the rank of intelligence colonel. Gürlek offered condolences to Gökgöz's family, relatives and the Turkish Armed Forces and wished a quick recovery to the soldiers injured in the accident.

Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş also posted on NSosyal, expressing condolences to the family and relatives of the colonel and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded soldiers. "May our nation be granted patience," Göktaş wrote.

Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan similarly offered condolences on NSosyal to Gökgöz's family, relatives and the Turkish Armed Forces and wished recovery to the injured soldiers. Işıkhan said the nation was in mourning and prayed that Gökgöz be granted a high station.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said in a social media post that Colonel Sayit Gökgöz had been serving in the Land Forces Command. Çiftçi wrote that Gökgöz was injured in the traffic accident and died despite all interventions. Çiftçi offered condolences to the family, the Turkish Armed Forces and the nation.

Communications Director pays tribute

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran wrote on NSosyal that Gökgöz was killed as a result of a military vehicle accident. Duran extended condolences to the colonel's family, the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish nation.

Key takeaways

• Colonel Sayit Gökgöz was killed in a military vehicle accident in Ankara, the Ministry of National Defense said.
• Two personnel were injured in the accident and their treatment is continuing in hospital.
• The Defense Ministry said the incident took place on 24 October 2026.
• Justice, family services, labor and interior ministers, along with the presidential communications director, issued condolence messages.