Turkish Military Helicopter Rescues Man Stranded in Mountains After Heart Attack
Malatya, June 3, 2026 – The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has announced the successful rescue of Selim Kaygusuz, 47, who suffered a heart attack and became stranded in a mountainous area of Malatya while collecting mushrooms with a relative. Two military helicopters from the Land Forces were immediately dispatched to the region to conduct the rescue operation.
Swift Response to Emergency Call
According to the statement released by the MSB on social media, the military was alerted to a citizen experiencing a heart attack in the challenging terrain of the Beydağı region in Malatya. The immediate deployment of two Land Forces helicopters underscores the rapid response capabilities of the Turkish military in emergency situations.
“Always at the service and command of our nation. Upon receiving information that one of our citizens suffered a heart attack in the difficult terrain of Malatya’s Beydağı region, two helicopters belonging to our Land Forces were immediately dispatched for a rescue mission,” the MSB statement read.
Successful Evacuation and Hospital Transfer
The rescue team successfully extracted Mr. Kaygusuz from the mountainous area by helicopter. He was then swiftly transported to Tulga Airfield, where an ambulance was waiting to transfer him to the Malatya Training and Research Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“The citizen, taken from the terrain by helicopter, was quickly transported to Tulga Airfield and from there transferred by ambulance to Malatya Training and Research Hospital. We wish our ailing citizen a speedy recovery,” the MSB added in its announcement.
Details of the Incident
Selim Kaygusuz was reportedly in the mountainous area with a relative to pick mushrooms when he suddenly fell ill. The remote and difficult terrain made a ground rescue operation challenging, necessitating the use of military helicopters. The precise location and time of the incident were not specified, but the rescue operation was completed efficiently, highlighting the coordination and effectiveness of the military’s emergency response units.
Ongoing Commitment to Public Service
This incident serves as another example of the Turkish Armed Forces’ commitment to assisting citizens in distress, extending beyond their primary defense duties. The MSB regularly participates in and conducts search and rescue operations, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas, demonstrating its role as a vital component of national emergency services.
The quick action of the military personnel and the efficient coordination of the rescue operation were crucial in ensuring Mr. Kaygusuz received timely medical assistance. The MSB concluded its statement by reiterating its dedication to the well-being of the Turkish people.
Source: Ministry of National Defense (MSB), DHA
