BANNER BOMB - MERSIN PROVINCE

UNCLAS ANKARA 004561 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DS ITA DS IP EUR CT SUBJECT: BANNER BOMB - MERSIN PROVINCE ¶1. (U) On Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at approximately 22:30 the Turkish National Police (TNP) conducted a controlled detonation of a "Banner Bomb" in the southern Ircel Province city of Mersin. There were no reports of injuries. ¶2. (U) Members of the PKK affiliated Halkin Kurtulus Ordusu-HPG (People's Liberation Army) placed a banner containing the picture of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and reading "Halkin Kurtulus Ordusu-HPG" on a bridge overpass on Okan Merezci Boulevard. Upon arrival the TNP noticed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) affixed to the banner. The TNP cordoned off the area and called for EOD assistance. TNP EOD conducted a controlled detonation of the device. ¶3. (U) The TNP's caution when approaching the banner was due to the above mentioned group and like groups using the "Banner Bomb" as a method to inflict casualties on the police. MCELDOWNEY