NATO flags flutter on half the staff in solidarity with Turkey

NATO member states lowered their flags at half-staff at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels to show solidarity with Ankara in the wake of strong earthquakes that hit southern Turkey on Monday.

“All flags at NATO Headquarters are at half mast today in solidarity with our Ally #Turkey,” the alliance said on Twitter, posting a picture of member states’ flags lowered in Brussels.

NATO said, in a statement, that allies and partners are providing various forms of assistance, including search and rescue teams with rescue dogs, as well as seismic experts.

“At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with our ally Turkey and with all those affected, and NATO allies stand ready to provide more assistance to those in need,” said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu.

The alliance added that the flags would remain at half of the staff until sunset tomorrow, “in honor of the victims and in solidarity with Turkey.”

Earlier on Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his full solidarity with Turkey and said the NATO allies were mobilizing support.

NATO Ground Command (LANDCOM) also expressed sympathy for the earthquake victims.

More than 8,500 people have been killed and more than 26,700 others injured in 10 provinces in Turkey after two powerful earthquakes hit the southern part of the country, according to the latest figures.

Turkey is observing a seven-day period of national mourning after the deadly earthquakes.