Man killed in Turkey’s southeast at Nevruz suspected of being suicide bomber: Governor’s office

DİYARBAKIR

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The governor’s office in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır has released a statement regarding the killing of a man who attempted to enter a square where Nevruz celebrations were occurring, saying he was suspected of being a suicide bomber. 

The unidentified man was shot and killed by police after allegedly trying to enter the area with a knife on March 21. 

According to the statement from the governor’s office, the man with a backpack tried to enter the area in the Bağlar district but refused to pass through security checks.

“I have a bomb in my bag, I will kill you all,” the man allegedly shouted before attacking security forces with a knife, the statement said. 

“The man then started to run in the direction the event was being held. He refused to throw the knife away despite all warnings from security forces and continued running toward the area. It was evaluated that he might be a suicide bomber and security forces intervened considering the security of the crowd in the area,” it also said. 

Saying he was wounded after being shot, the statement noted that the man was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

“A multidimensional investigation has been launched by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the case,” it added. 

Crowds of thousands marked Nevruz in Bağlar on March 21, along with other cities around Turkey and the region.