Turkish Naval Forces' Beirut evacuation offers glimpse of amphibious capabilities

Turkish Landing Ship Tank TCG Sancaktar (L 403) helps evacuate people from Beirut on 10 October 2024. (Turkish Ministry of National Defence)

A former Turkish Naval Forces (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri: TDK) rear admiral has told Janes that the evacuation of 966 civilians from Beirut on 10 October showcases the growing capabilities of the TDK.

Rear Admiral Cem Okyay (retd) told Janes that missions including this one “enhance its [the TDK's] operational readiness”, adding that “the Turkish Navy's expanding role in humanitarian missions and rapid deployment highlights its evolving function beyond traditional military duties”.

Turkish Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) TCG Bayraktar (L 402) and TCG Sancaktar (L 403) brought in 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid and evacuated 588 and 378 civilians respectively, from Beirut to Türkiye's southern port of Mersin. Gabya-class frigate TCG Gaziantep (F 490), MEKO 200 TN II-B-class frigate TCG Salihreis (F 246), and Burak-class corvettes TCG Bartın (F 504) and TCG Bandırma (F 502) escorted the amphibious ships and provided protection.

The last time the TDK evacuated Turkish citizens from Beirut was in 2006. At the time, frigates TCG Gelibolu, TCG Bartın, and naval ferry TCG Iskenderun were sent to Beirut to pick up 700 civilians.

“Particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, a key lesson from the Libyan evacuation operations in 2011 was the critical importance of interagency co-operation. The navy's ability to co-ordinate seamlessly with other government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Turkish Red Crescent, and security forces, proved essential. A key takeaway from recent operations is the emphasis on strict security protocols. During evacuations, the navy and other agencies meticulously conducted inspections and managed boarding procedures, ensuring a safe and secure process while maintaining the humanitarian focus,” Okyay said.