6 people had lost their lives: New development regarding the bomb attack on Istiklal Avenue

A new development has occurred in the efforts carried out by the Istanbul Police Department's Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Branch teams to uncover and prevent the activities of the separatist terrorist organization PKK and its Syrian branch, PYD/YPG.

THEY FACILITATED THE TERRORIST'S ENTRY INTO TURKEY

Within the framework of the ongoing investigation, a cell was identified that had been selected from among organization members who had previously received so-called political and ideological training within the PKK/KCK-TM (Turkey Assembly) structure and were undergoing training for armed action and sabotage in Istanbul. It was understood that the aforementioned PKK cell facilitated the entry into Turkey of the terrorist named Ahlam Albashir, a Syrian national and PYD member who was one of the perpetrators of the bomb attack that took place on Istiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu on November 13, 2022, and that they provided her with supplies and met her housing needs. It was stated that the 2 named PKK members ensured the transfer of the key figure of the act from the Syrian border to Istanbul and were involved in smuggling activities. The 2 suspects were apprehended in an operation organized by the police. The detained suspects were taken to the Counter-Terrorism Branch for questioning.

HOSTAGE OPERATION AGAINST THE ORGANIZATION IN 4 PROVINCES: 11 DETAINED

While the interrogation of the suspects linked to the Istiklal Avenue perpetrator continues at the police station, a hostage operation was carried out against the organization in 4 provinces centered in Istanbul. It was stated that on December 23, a person named F.K. was taken hostage and threatened with a weapon by the youth wing of the PKK/KCK Armed Terrorist Organization in Beyoğlu. Simultaneous operations were carried out in Istanbul, Adana, Diyarbakır, and Mersin against the suspects who forcibly held F.K. and who had previously operated on behalf of the PKK/KCK by taking part in the ranks of the organization's youth wing in the aforementioned district. It was reported that 11 suspects were apprehended in the operation. During searches at the addresses belonging to the suspects, banned publications, an Airsoft pistol, and digital materials belonging to the individuals were seized.

News Source: İHA