Cablegate: Banner Bomb - Mersin Province

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

041459Z Aug 05

UNCLAS ANKARA 004561

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DS ITA DS IP EUR CT
SUBJECT: BANNER BOMB - MERSIN PROVINCE

1. (U) On Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at approximately 22:30 the
Turkish National Police (TNP) conducted a controlled
detonation of a "Banner Bomb" in the southern Ircel Province
city of Mersin. There were no reports of injuries.

2. (U) Members of the PKK affiliated Halkin Kurtulus
Ordusu-HPG (People's Liberation Army) placed a banner
containing the picture of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah
Ocalan and reading "Halkin Kurtulus Ordusu-HPG" on a bridge
overpass on Okan Merezci Boulevard. Upon arrival the TNP
noticed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) affixed to the
banner. The TNP cordoned off the area and called for EOD
assistance. TNP EOD conducted a controlled detonation of the
device.

3. (U) The TNP's caution when approaching the banner was due
to the above mentioned group and like groups using the
"Banner Bomb" as a method to inflict casualties on the police.
MCELDOWNEY

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