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Two Turkish journalists were taken into custody by authorities after filming and livestreaming footage near İncirlik Air Base, a strategic military facility in southern Turkey that houses U.S. troops and NATO assets, in a case that has raised serious press freedom concerns. The detentions occurred on February 28, 2026, according to statements from local media and reporters’ unions.
The journalists, identified as staff members of Koza TV working under contract with Anka News Agency, were reportedly shooting a live broadcast just outside the perimeter of the base near Adana when they were approached by Turkish police. Prosecutors in the region opened an investigation, asserting that disseminating visuals showing the location, security arrangements, or the physical layout of a sensitive military installation could constitute a national security risk.
Following the investigation’s initiation, Anka News Agency removed the footage from its website and issued an apology for any unintended misunderstandings stemming from the broadcast, while also emphasising that the material was collected in the course of routine journalistic duties.
The detentions prompted statements from the Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS) and press rights organisations demanding the immediate release of the journalists and warning that punitive actions against reporters for covering sensitive topics could undermine fundamental media freedoms. TGS has called the detentions unacceptable, contending that journalists must be able to report on developments of public interest – including matters tied to military activities that have regional implications – without fear of arrest.
The episode comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including concurrent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions, a backdrop that has increased sensitivity around military sites hosting allied forces. Íncirlik’s long-standing role as a key joint Turkish-U.S. facility places unusual scrutiny on activities near its grounds, with Turkish prosecutors citing legal provisions on restricted zones to justify the investigation.
Press freedom advocates have warned that applying national security laws to penalise routine newsgathering sets a troubling precedent, potentially chilling independent journalism in Turkey’s complex political and security environment.
The situation remains fluid, with calls for judicial review and domestic and international scrutiny of Turkey’s handling of the case and its implications for free expression in a NATO member state.
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