Erdogan: Those involved in robbery or kidnapping should know that the strong hand of the state is on their backs

The security issue has been focused after the Austrian Army suspended rescue operations there because of what its spokesman called “an increasingly difficult security situation”.

There have been reportedly clashes between unidentified groups and that about 80 Austrian troops in the region have been sheltered at a base camp with other international organisations pending instructions.

“We have proclaimed state of emergency”, Erdogan said during a visit to the disaster zone today, Reuters reports.

“means from now on, people who are involved in robbery or kidnappings should know that the strong hand of the state is on their backs”, he said.

Erdogan also said hundreds of thousands of buildings were uninhabitable throughout southern Turkey and that authorities would soon begin the reconstruction process.