Two suspected militants killed in police raid in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

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Two suspected female militants were killed on early Dec. 22 during clashes with counter-terrorism police in Istanbul as a part of an operation reportedly against militants responsible for an explosion in central Istanbul early December.

Istanbul counter-terrorism police conducted an operation in Istanbul’s Gaziosmanpaşa district around 2:30 a.m. to apprehend militants responsible for the Dec. 1 explosion near the central Bayrampaşa metro station.

Armed conflict erupted when suspected militants inside a cell house responded to police fire. Two suspected female militants were killed in the raid while four policemen were slightly injured and later reported to be in good condition.

In the aftermath of the clashes, police seized a bomb set-up, hand grenades and various weapons inside the raided cell-house. Another operation targeting militants have also been reported at various cell houses. 

Meanwhile, locals in the neighborhood said the residents of the cell house had recently moved to the area.

An explosion caused by a hand-made bomb occurred near Istanbul’s central Bayrampaşa metro station on Dec. 1 during the passing of a bus carrying riot police, injuring one citizen.