This blast (Terrorist Incident forthcoming) was yet another in a spate of attacks that has afflicted Istanbul, Turkey of late. The fire to the cargo section of Turkey?s Ataturk airport did not disrupt flights, but it did cause severe damage to the building. Three people were brought to a hospital for smoke inhalation; however, no one was hurt seriously. The militant group the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) claimed the attack, stating that, ?the sabotage is a response to the policies of the Turkish state towards the Kurds.? The separatist group has claimed at least eight bombings this spring (Terrorism) and has pledged further attacks until the Turkish state brings their ?extermination policies? against the Kurdish people to an end. This most recent string of attacks seems to have been triggered by the unrest in the southeast, which is predominantly inhabited by Kurds.
The turbulence initially started in Diyarbakir on March 28 after locals buried 14 rebels who had been killed by Turkish security forces. As thousands gathered for the funerals, fierce fighting erupted between angry mourners and the police . In the following weeks, mourners joined protesters in fighting Turkish security forces who were armed with tear gas and who fired warning shots . The unrest, which has now led to the death of several picketers, has angered the Kurdish resistance even more.
To date, the TAK?s aim remains elusive, although they claim to be fighting both against Turkey?s unjust policies toward the Kurds and for all Kurds who have been killed by the Turkish government. The group?s history of violence and the statements they have issued seem to indicate a more revenge-oriented agenda than the better-known Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK) . The TAK emerged in 2004 and is generally believed to be offshoot of the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. The fact that no precise connections have been established between the groups has led some analysts to conclude that there is no concrete affiliation. All the same, the group has proven themselves to be an obstinate adversary for the Turkish government.
As TAK has overtly stated, they are retaliating for the happenings in the southeast by targeting the more affluent areas in Turkey, principally in and around the capital. As the vacationing season is approaching in June, more violence is likely to ensue as tourists are frequently targeted in attention-getting ploys. In anticipation, travelers to the region ought to exercise absolute carefulness.
