Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) changed its name into Islamic State (IS) and released the Turkish lorry drivers they had captured around Mosul on June 10.
One of the captured lorry drivers told Hürriyet newspaper that they were released. “They released us now and took our lorries away. They are taking them to Mahmur,” said the driver.
One of the drivers, Serdar Bayrak also stated, the IS militans told them in the morning “Pack your stuff, we leave you.” Bayrak said their health conditions were good.
FM: No driver was handed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials stated that they inquired about the positive improvements in the situation of the lorry drivers captured by the organization and kept there for a while; however, no driver was handed in to the Turkish authority.
“We were expecting some positive improvements. We can understand they are in a bus and on way to North Iraq but members of ISIL are still with them. Turkish concerned authorities has not delivered anybody by now (1.30 pm).”
“Connecting with drivers on a live broadcast is extremely risky. The process can halt due to the broadcast.”
ISIL had captured 32 lorry drivers on June 10 around Mosul. (AS/MEV/BM)
* Click here to read the article in Turkish.