Sniper Statement by Interior Minister

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Minister of Interior, Efkan Ala has refuted that claims that Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) employs Serbian snipers.

Ala issuing press statement following the meeting at Justice and Development Party (AKP) Headquarters held with deputies from Eastern and Southeastern cities has spoken as to allegations of “Serbian snipers in Cizre”.

“It is speculation that there are Serbian snipers. We don’t announce nationality. You know what Syria is like, sometimes there are such crossings. But we are making statements considering international relations of Turkey”, Ala said.

First Davutoğlu had claimed

The sniper claim was initially brought forward by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu. Davutoğlu had alleged that, “A lot of foreign snipers have been detected here. Their intention is to stir up Turkey”.

Media outlets such as Yeni Şafak, HaberTürk, Sabah and A Haber had claimed that those people were Serbian.

Announcement by Embassy

After the allegations, Serbian Embassy in Ankara had made the following announcement:

“National Assembly of Republic of Serbia has enacted a law harshly punishing such activities. Considering this matter, the allegations should in no way be associated with policies or practices of Republic of Serbia and its institutions”. (EA/TK)