Three Syrians in custody over kidnapping attempt in Turkey

HATAY - Anatolia News Agency

Police detained three Syrian citizens over an alleged kidnapping attempt that targeted a Syrian opposition lawyer. DHA Photo

Turkish security forces detained eight people today, including three Syrian citizens, over an alleged kidnapping attempt that targeted a Syrian opposition lawyer residing in Turkey’s Hatay, according to an official statement released by the Hatay governor’s office.

Four kidnappers allegedly forced the lawyer into their vehicle, and were trying to cross over the border when security forces intervened. Security forces clashed with the kidnappers when they refused to stop despite warning. Three kidnappers, two of them wounded, were taken in custody as one of them fled the scene.

The Syrian lawyer was retrieved in good health, and explosive weapons, including a Russian-made bomb, were confiscated by officials, the statement said.

Five more people were detained afterwards over connections to the kidnapping attempt, with the total number of detainees reaching eight.

The Syrians were reportedly pro-regime fighters, and targeted the lawyer for his collaboration with the opposition forces in Syria.