Military and civilian search and rescue units from Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday successfully completed the land phase of the Martyr Ensign Caner Gönyeli 2026 Search and Rescue Invitation Exercise in the Beşparmak Mountains near Girne (Kyrenia), demonstrating the two countries' ability to coordinate emergency response operations under challenging conditions.
The exercise, which has been held regularly since 2002, aims to enhance cooperation among military and civilian institutions responsible for search and rescue missions while improving readiness for emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The land phase began with a briefing at the Security Forces Command Headquarters, where officials highlighted the importance of the exercise in strengthening coordination between Türkiye and the TRNC.
Named after Lt. Caner Gönyeli, the exercise has become one of the most significant joint search and rescue activities conducted by the two countries. The drill is carried out in multiple phases and scenarios designed to test command and control capabilities, communication systems and operational readiness.
Passenger aircraft emergency
