Turkey: Turkish forces reportedly shoot down several primitive drones during attempted attacks on bases in Batman and Sirnak late May 20

Event

Turkish forces reportedly shot down several homemade drones during attempted attacks against military facilities located in the southeastern towns of Batman and Sirnak late May 20. According to official sources, three drones targeted the 14th Unmanned Aircraft Systems Base Command in Batman at about 23:10, with at least one drone attacking the headquarters of the 23rd Gendarmes Border Division in Sirnak at approximately the same time. There were no reports of damage or injuries. As yet, no group has claimed responsibility for the incidents; however, authorities in the Ministry of National Defense assert that militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) are behind the attempted attacks.

Authorities will almost certainly increase security near both targeted facilities over the coming days until it becomes clear that no further attacks of a similar nature are imminent. Law enforcement agencies could launch operations in and around Batman and Sirnak to apprehend the perpetrators.

Context

The incidents at Batman and Sirnak are the latest attacks on military facilities in southeastern Turkey to use primitive drones within two days. The 8th Main Jet Base Command in Diyarbakir was targeted with two similar devices during the early hours of May 19. While all of these attacks have thus far been completely ineffective, they could represent an effort by the PKK to test new methods for targeting Turkish security forces.

Advice

Avoid the scene of the incident until authorities give the all-clear; remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by local law enforcement officials. Keep away from areas where military or law enforcement personnel appear to be deploying.