ISTANBUL - Turkish police confiscated bomb mechanisms to be used in suicide attacks in Istanbul in operations staged after bomb attack on a Masonic Lodge in Kartal district, Anti-Terrorism Department stated on Friday.
A statement of Turkish Anti-Terrorism Department said that Turkish police captured one person who was preparing bombs for suicide attacks by collaborating with suicide bombers.
The statement noted that three more people were captured as they staged operations in line with testimony of that first detainee.
The statement listed terrorist attacks which were illuminated in line with testimonies of the detainees as killing of dentist Yasef Yahya in Sisli district of Istanbul on August 21, 2003, setting targets for suicide attacks and getting prepared for suicide attack, and kidnapping a person in Kartal district by gun force on January 2, 2003 for ransom.
Turkish police seized two pipe-bombs, three petrol bombs, guns and ammunitions, substances and equipment used in preparing bombs, medical equipment and some communication devices in their operations, the statement added.
One suicide bomber and one waiter died in the explosion that took place in a Masonic Lodge in Kartal district of Istanbul as the terrorist detonated the bomb on himself on March 9, 2004.
Two terrorists came to the three-storey building of Masonic Lodge around 10.10 p.m. on Tuesday, shot the security guard in the feet, opened fire on the building from the window, and entered the restaurant inside the building.
One terrorist was killed when he detonated the bomb on himself at the entrance and one waiter who was near him died in the explosion.
The second terrorist was seriously wounded and hospitalized.
Five other people who were among those dining in the restaurant were also wounded in the blast.
Turkish police detained 18 people till March 16, 2004. The Anti-Terrorism Department released two of them and sent the rest to the State Security Court (DGM). The court arrested three of the 16 detainees.
(BRC-AÖ) 19.03.2004