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Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler denied Friday that Jeffrey Epstein's private jet had ever used Incirlik Air Base, stating that no formal complaint, report, or official notification regarding the allegation had been filed with the ministry.
"There is no complaint, report, or official notification within the scope of the allegations," Guler said in response to a written parliamentary question.
The denial came after Good Party (IYI) Deputy Selcan Tasci from Tekirdag asked the Defense Ministry whether Epstein's private aircraft had used Incirlik Air Base for takeoff, landing, or transit purposes.
Epstein, a financier accused of running a sexual abuse and sex trafficking network targeting underage girls in the United States, died in prison in 2019.
Guler's response emphasized the security protocols governing all Turkish military air bases, saying, "All military air bases hold the status of first-degree military restricted zone in accordance with the Military Restricted Areas and Security Zones Law."
"Entry and exit to these facilities are conducted only by authorized personnel and specially permitted vehicles, accompanied by biometric verification and strict identity checks," he noted.
Incirlik Air Base, officially the 10th Main Jet Base Command, is a Turkish Air Force (TurAF) facility owned by the Republic of Türkiye.
The base operates under strict entry and exit protocols managed by multiple government agencies.
"All types of materials entering the base from abroad or leaving the base for abroad are processed by Incirlik Customs Directorate under the Trade Ministry, in accordance with applicable regulations," Guler stated.
"All individuals entering the base from abroad or leaving the base for abroad are processed by Border Gate Passport Police, subordinate to the General Directorate of Security under the Interior Ministry, in accordance with applicable regulations," he added.
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