Rocket Attack on Customs Vehicle Claims the Life of One Person
* Photo: Göksel Cüneyt İğde - AA
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A rocket attack was launched on an armoured vehicle carrying the personnel of Gürbulak Customs Directorate in the district of Doğubayazıt in Turkey's eastern province of Ağrı in the morning today (March 2).
While the scene of incident is located three kilometers from Gürbulak Border Gate between Turkey and Iran, the tire of the vehicle was hit by the rocket and the service vehicle was dragged to an empty field.
Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan has announced that one security guard has lost his life in the incident. While several ambulances, fire brigade and search-rescue teams and gendarmerie officers were referred to the area, the wounded have been hospitalized in Doğubayazıt State Hospital.
Operation launched following the incident
As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), the gendarmerie have launched an operation in the area following the attack and the road leading to the border gate has been closed to traffic for reasons of security.
Statement by Ağrı Governorship
In a statement released by the Governorship of Ağrı, it has been indicated that the personnel of Gürbulak Border Gate set off towards the border gate for their shift change at around 8.30 a.m. today.
Announcing that the vehicle spinned out of control following the incident as its tire was hit by the rocket, the Governorship has said, "An accident took place as the vehicle went off the highway. The treatment of the personnel wounded in the accident continues at the Doğubayazıt State Hospital."
Soylu: There are wounded people
Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu has also made a brief statement about the incident on his Twitter account:
"The rocket fired at the armored vehicle carrying the personnel of Ağrı Gürbulak Customs Directorate hit the front wheel of the vehicle at 08:50 a.m. this morning. There are wounded people following the clash. Terrorists have been traced and cornered. The conflict still continues." (TP/SD)