TAF Releases Statement on Smugglers

Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) released a statement, saying that 3,000 smugglers from Syria attempted to transgress the border along with 350 cavalry and 250 vehicles last night. 

According to the statement, tensions have resumed as early as 8:45 pm local to the latest 6:20 am in the morning. 

Smugglers have attempted to transgress the border and thrown stones despite several warnings, the statement said. TAF responded them vigilantly with fire in the air and tear gas bombs, the statement continued. 

On August 23, TAF released a similar statement, saying that smuggler groups have attempted to transgress the border with cavalry and pedestrian groups. 

3780 liters of gasoline

The statement was as follows: [Translated by bianet English] 

“TAF’s motorized patrol team has detected two activities on the border between Turkey and Syria; first one in the duty zone of Hatay/Narlıca Oğulpınar Border Headquarters with 200-250 vehicles and 3000 smugglers, and second one in the duty zone of Oğulpınar Border Headquarters with 300-350 cavalries. 

“Smuggler individuals, cavalries and their vehicles have started their smuggling activity around 8:45 pm local time last night on the Syrian side of the border. 

“Several warnings in Arabic and Turkish have been made in order to keep out from the border. 

“However, smuggler groups have resumed their activities despite all warnings. They have attempted to transgress the border in 11 different locations and heavily stoned our defense locations. In response, our forces have vigilantly fired in the air towards assaulting smuggler individuals and their vehicles. Their efforts have blocked with the firing of tear gas bombs.  

“After the interventions, smuggling attempts have completely been prevented on 26 August 2013 around 6:20 am local time, while 63 barrels of gasoline equal to 3870 liters have been confiscated and wiped out. Gendarmerie Headquarters in Hatay province have been informed concerning the incident.” (YY/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.