Mass poisoning among Turkish Police guarding Erdogan’s meeting

Officers guarding president’s meeting rushed to hospital after eating spoiled rations

Last updated: August 27, 2025 | 10:17

1 MIN READ

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Dubai: Dozens of Turkish police officers assigned to guard President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during Tuesday’s meeting at the presidential complex in Ahlat, a town in Turkey’s Bitlis Province in Eastern Anatolia, were hospitalised after suffering mass food poisoning, local media reported.

The officers were part of the security detail deployed for the president’s visit when they began experiencing sudden illness shortly after eating field rations. Authorities later said the meals were spoiled, triggering widespread nausea and other acute symptoms among the officers.

Emergency teams quickly responded, transferring the affected police to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said all were receiving medical care, and an investigation has been launched into the source of the food.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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