One dead after attack on Prime Minister's convoy in northwestern Turkey

One dead after attack on Prime Minister's convoy in northwestern Turkey

2011-05-05 01:13:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

KASTAMONU, TURKEY (BNO NEWS) -- One police officer on Wednesday was killed as unknown assailants attacked the convoy of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in northwestern Turkey.

According to the Hurriyet daily news, gunmen attacked the PM's convoy on a road in Kastamonu city where Erdogan delivered a speech earlier. The attackers opened fire on the police vehicle that was leading the convoy, about 50 meters from the PM's party bus.

In the first wave of gunfire, a police officer was killed. The attackers than threw a grenade to the patrol car setting it on fire. PM Erdogan was not on the bus as he left Kastamonu by helicopter earlier.

Police officers took shelter in the bus which was carrying Erdogan's closest allies. Turkish security forces arrived at the spot and countered the attack but the attackers managed to flee.

The attack took place on the Kastamonu-Cankiri highway as the convoy was leaving the city where Erdogan, also chairman of the Justice and Development party (AK), participated in an election rally.

Tight security measures were taken on the attack scene and the Turkish military launched a special operation to capture the terrorists. Many ambulances were also deployed to the spot.

"These terrorists, these separatists who understood that they cannot get any result at the elections think that they will be successful in this way. We will not permit these groups to divide this country," said PM Erdogan.

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