Scuffles erupt between suspected smugglers and soldiers near Syrian border

ŞANLIURFA – Doğan News Agency

Tension has flared up in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Akçakale district between Turkish security forces and suspected smugglers. DHA photo

Tension has flared up in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Akçakale district between Turkish security forces and suspected smugglers near the Syrian border, days after a policeman was killed in deadly clashes.

Clashes erupted May 5 after security forces noticed a group of people who were trying to bring contraband into Turkey from Syria. The group ignored warnings to stop and ran into a nearby village. When security forces arrived in the village to search for the suspects, a group of around 30 people pelted the military’s armored vehicles with stones. Turkish officials have started an investigation into the incident.

Turkish policeman Ferhat Avcı was killed last week after being wounded during clashes between a group of Syrian refugees and Turkish security forces in Akçakale.