International News

MANISA, Jun 18 (APP/AA): A total of 372 soldiers were hospitalized
here late Saturday after being “affected by food”, Defense Minister Fikri Isik said early Sunday.
Isik said 590 soldiers were affected and 372 were taken to hospitals.
“Now there are 72 soldiers (left) at the hospitals. No one is in life
threatening condition,” he said at a news conference following a visit with
soldiers at Merkezefendi State Hospital.
Isik was accompanied by Commander of Turkish Land Forces Gen. Zeki
Colak.
“There is no soldier in intensive care,” Isik added.
Manisa Governor Mustafa Hakan Guvencer told Anadolu Agency earlier in
the day that it is too early to consider poisoning as a cause after soldiers
complained about vomiting and nausea.
“We cannot make an official statement now about the reason of the
disease and diagnosis, we are waiting for laboratory results,” Guvencer said.
Police on Sunday arrested 19 employees, including executives, of the
catering company that provides food to the military post where the incident
occurred, police source told Anadolu Agency.