Gunman kills four in southern Turkey attack

A gunman has killed four people and wounded eight others in a shooting in southern Turkey, according to local media reports.

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The attack took place on Monday in the Tarsus district of Mersin province. Turkish outlets including Hürriyet and CNN Türk reported that the suspect first opened fire inside a restaurant before fleeing the scene by car.

Police have launched a large-scale operation to find the suspect, deploying helicopters and other resources in an effort to track down the gunman.

Shooting begins at restaurant

According to Turkish media reports, the attack began at a restaurant in Tarsus where the suspect shot two people dead. The victims are believed to be the owner of the establishment and an employee.

Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting were not immediately clear.

Witness accounts cited by local outlets indicated that the gunman fired several shots before leaving the restaurant and escaping in a vehicle.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted or whether the attack was random.

Gunman continues attack nearby

After leaving the restaurant, the suspect reportedly continued firing at other people in the surrounding area.

Media reports said a shepherd grazing his sheep nearby was shot and killed. A lorry driver was also fatally shot during the incident.

Eight other people were wounded during the attack. Information about the severity of their injuries has not been released.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Large police operation underway

Security forces have launched a major manhunt for the suspect, according to Turkish media.

Police units supported by helicopters have been deployed across the area as authorities attempt to locate and arrest the gunman.

Officials have not yet publicly identified the suspect, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Investigators are continuing to gather information as the search operation continues in and around the Tarsus district.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026