Turkey says suspects on boat carrying explosives are militants
Two of the three Turks arrested after a speedboat carrying arms and explosives was intercepted near Chios on Tuesday are members of a left-wing militant group that has been linked to armed attacks, authorities in Ankara said on Wednesday.
Interior Minister Muammer Guler identified one of the Turkish men arrested as Hasan Biber, a member of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) suspected of carrying out a raid on the headquarters of the ruling AK Party in March. Biber, 55, has also been linked to a hand grenade attack at the Justice Ministry in the same month.
Anti-tank missiles similar to the ones used in the raid at the AKP’s offices were found on the speedboat, along with an AK-47, two handguns, two explosive devices and dozens of bullets. Guler said that another of the Turkish men arrested in the boat was a member of DHKP-C.
The three Greeks arrested with the Turks are also due to face terrorism charges. Guler said he expects the Turkish suspects to be extradited.
“Of course this process will happen,” he said, according to Hurriyet newspaper. “There was a crime committed there and another crime committed here. What’s necessary will be done.”
