Brawl erupts at Syria border, kills Turkish policeman

ŞANLIURFA

A group of Syrian refugees clashed with Turkish security forces in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Akçakale district. AA photo

Turkish policeman Ferhat Avcı was killed today after being wounded during clashes between a group of Syrian refugees and Turkish security forces in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Akçakale district.

Avcı was taken to a local hospital after being shot with a bullet fired by Syrians. He was subsequently transferred to Şanlıurfa's Mehmet Akif İnan Hospital for further treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

Two policemen, five soldiers and four civilian who were wounded by the rifle fire are also being treated at hospital, according to Doğan news agency.

A group of Syrian refugees clashed with Turkish security forces today in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Akçakale district after they were prevented from crossing the border.

A brawl erupted between security forces and the group after they attempted to cross the border. Custom authorities reportedly demanded a “coordinated cross.” A fire, the cause of which remains unknown, also broke out in office of the customs control office.