Reconnaissance plane crashes in Van, claiming the lives of 7 security personnel

* Photos and news: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Seven security personnel have lost their lives after their reconnaissance plane crashed in a mountain in Turkey's Van province, Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu announced earlier today (July 16).

"Our teams have informed us that we have lost seven heroes, two of them are the pilots," Soylu has told reporters. The plane crashed at an altitude of 2,200 meters on Mount Artos, Soylu has added.

The aircraft took off from Van Ferit Melen Airport at 6.35 p.m. local time in Turkey. The 2015 model-plane was missioned for reconnaissance and surveillance in Van and Hakkari provinces since Monday, Soylu has said. 

He has also added that the pilots contacted the tower for the last time when they were around Başkale district at 10.32 p.m.

At around 10.45 p.m., radar and communication were completely stopped, he has added further. Soylu has later arrived in the region where the plane crashed. (TP/SD)