Killings an 'operational accident,' says AKP deputy chairman

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Hüseyin Çelik. AA photo

The killing of 35 civilians in an air raid in the southeastern province of Şırnak is an "unfortunate operational accident,” ruling Justice and Development Party deputy chairman Hüseyin Çelik said today.

Çelik expressed sorrow for the incident and offered his condolences to relatives of the deceased.  

"If there is a mistake or negligence, it will be found out," Çelik said, adding that information would not be covered up during a probe into the bombing.  

Çelik dismissed claims that the bombing of civilians were intentional and said, "Such malicious claims are untrue and should be disregarded."