A man suspected of killing eight people in a series of shootings across three villages in western Turkey has been arrested after a major police manhunt.
The attacks unfolded at several locations in the rural province of Afyonkarahisar on Wednesday (November 4), leaving another person seriously injured, according to local authorities. Turkish news agency DHA reported that a man used a shotgun to target victims in the villages of Yukarıtandır, Ayazini and Kıyır before fleeing the scene.
Official Confirmation and Search Operation
"Unfortunately, in the armed attacks that occurred in our province, eight of our citizens have lost their lives, and one citizen has been seriously injured," the Afyonkarahisar governor's office said.
Police and gendarmerie officers mounted a large-scale search operation, establishing roadblocks across the region. A red car believed to belong to the suspect was later discovered abandoned after becoming stuck in mud near Taşlıke in Eskişehir province, as reported by The Mirror.
Arrest and Injuries
The suspect was subsequently tracked down and arrested after reportedly opening fire on pursuing officers. Two officers suffered minor injuries during the operation, and the suspect remains in custody.
"The perpetrator of today's armed attacks in Afyonkarahisar was apprehended alive within our province's borders as a result of a joint operation by our Provincial Gendarmerie Command and Provincial Police Department teams," a statement from the Eskişehir Governor's Office says.
Linked Attack and Victims
Another attack, which saw a woman shot inside a car in the Osman Gazi neighbourhood of Afyonkarahisar at around 3.30pm on Thursday, is being linked to the incident. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Afyonkarahisar, in western Turkey, can be located midway between the capital Ankara and the coastal city of Izmir. A regional head of education says that two of the people who were killed are teachers from İhsaniye Yukarıtandır Secondary School.
"We pray for God's mercy upon our teachers; and offer our condolences and prayers for strength to their families, loved ones, and the entire education community," said Provincial Director of National Education İsmail Altınkaynak.
A statement from the Afyonkarahisar Governor's Office on the incident continued: "In order to fully clarify all aspects of the incident and to ensure the process is carried out in a correct manner, all relevant institutions of our state have been acting together from the first moments of the event."
"They are meticulously continuing the necessary work. The judicial process is being conducted with utmost care under the coordination of the Afyonkarahisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. We pray to Allah for mercy upon our citizens who lost their lives, and offer our condolences and wishes of patience to their grieving families and loved ones. May our heads be bowed in sorrow."
