ISTANBUL, 23 November 2003 — Turkey has rounded up more suspects over the twin truck bombings in Istanbul, reports said yesterday, as thousands of people staged marches for peace in several cities across the nation.
As Turkey remained on high alert ahead of a major Muslim holiday, the United States issued a worldwide warning that the Al-Qaeda network may strike again after claiming the wave of Istanbul attacks that killed at least 52 people.
At a funeral for two slain policemen, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke of his “shame” that four suicide bombers involved in the attacks against British and Jewish targets over the past week were Turkish nationals but vowed that the nation would not be cowed. “Bombs will not stop us living freely,” Erdogan said of the worst-ever attacks on Turkish soil. The Turkish media came under fire from Istanbul’s police chief who claimed the second attack two days ago could have been avoided if not for “irresponsible” reporting about the suspects and the investigation following synagogue blasts.
Turkish police have arrested 18 suspects in raids and identified the dealership where the vehicles were bought for Thursday’s bomb blasts at the British Consulate and British-based bank HSBC that left 27 people dead, the Hurriyet newspaper reported.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Friday several people were arrested over what has been dubbed Turkey’s own Sept. 11 but gave no further details.
