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Two police officers were killed and another critically wounded when a 16-year-old gunman opened fire at a police station in Türkiye's western city of Izmir on Monday morning, authorities said.
The attack occurred at the Salih Isgoren Police Station in Izmir's Balcova district. The teenage assailant used a pump-action shotgun in the assault, according to initial reports from the scene.
Two police officers died in the attack, while a third officer sustained critical injuries and was receiving emergency medical treatment. The identities of the victims were not immediately released.
Law enforcement officials were conducting investigations at the scene following the deadly assault. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear.
The 16-year-old suspect's identity has not been released due to his age. Turkish authorities have not provided information about whether the gunman was apprehended or details on the circumstances following the shooting.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya identified the fallen officers as First Class Police Chief Muhsin Aydemir, a police chief inspector, and Police Officer Hasan Akin.
"An armed attack was carried out against the Izmir Balcova Salih Isgoren Police Station," Yerlikaya said.
"As a result of this heinous attack, unfortunately, our First Class Police Chief, Police Chief Inspector Muhsin Aydemir and our Police Officer Hasan Akin were martyred," he noted.
Police Officer Omer Amilag was critically wounded, while Police Officer Murat Dagli sustained minor injuries, the minister added. The injured officers were transported to Dokuz Eylul University Research and Application Hospital for treatment.
Yerlikaya confirmed that the suspect, identified only as E.B., 16, has been apprehended.
"The suspect in the incident, E.B. (16), has been captured. An investigation into the incident has been launched," the interior minister stated, adding: "I pray for Allah's mercy on our heroic martyrs; I wish a speedy recovery to our wounded."
Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay condemned the assault in a social media post, calling it a "treacherous attack."
"I condemn the treacherous attack carried out on the Salih Isgoren Police Station in Balcova," Tugay wrote.
"I pray for Allah's mercy on our police officers who were martyred in the attack; I offer my condolences to their grieving families and loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to our wounded police officers and hope they regain their health as soon as possible," he added.
The mayor added, "Our pain is immense, we are deeply saddened, may we have the strength to bear this loss."
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a comprehensive judicial investigation has been initiated by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
"I condemn the armed attack carried out against the Salih Isgoren Police Station in Izmir's Balcova district," Tunc said, adding, "I pray for Allah's mercy on our police officers who were martyred in the attack, and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded."
The justice minister confirmed that two deputy chief prosecutors and six prosecutors have been assigned to the case.
"A judicial investigation was immediately launched by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the incident. The investigation is being conducted meticulously and from all angles," Tunc stated.
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