Armed Attack on CHP Convoy

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Fire has been opened from forestry area on the convoy of Republican People’s Party (CHP) Leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was heading to Artvin to inaugurate service building of Ardanuç Municipality.

The vehicle’s private soldier driver lost his life in the hospital where he was taken for treatment, and two other soldiers in the guard vehicle were slightly injured.

The condition of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and those who were in the convoy are fine. The wounded soldiers have been taken to hospital.

Kılıçdaroğlu didn’t cancel his opening and meeting programs. Since he cannot go to Ardanuç by land he will go to the municipality building by helicopter and will hold a speech here.

“Two separate conflicts erupted”

CHP Press Consultant Onur Korualp, who was himself at the scene expressed that two conflicts erupted in 10-15 minutes.

CHP Group Deputy Chairperson Özgür Özel explained the incident based on the information he obtained from the Artvin Governor as follows:

“Top level security measures were taken since the area is already critical. There were three armored vehicles for protection in front of the convoy.

“There was some in the forestry area and shooting started when the foremost vehicle moved towards there and the conflict erupted.

“It is understood that there was a preparation of attack on the convoy”.

According to the information the CHP Headquarters gave to press, one of the guards opened fire when one person was getting ready to hit the convoy with a rocket, and prevented the rocket attack.

CHP Trabzon MP Haluk Pekşen said, “There might be FETÖ (Fethullahist Terror Organization) behind the assault”.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım wished Kılıçdaroğlu to get well soon.

Kılıçdaroğu in interview with CNN Türk said his health condition is fine.

Minister Ala: The target was main opposition party leader

Minister of Interior Efkan Ala said “the perpetrator is definitely a PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) member”.

 “Only the foremost vehicle was damaged and the soldiers in it were wounded. There is no damage on the vehicles other than that one and no other soldiers were wounded.

“The attack was launched on the leader of the main opposition party”.

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Central Executive Board also strongly condemned the attack. (AS/TK)