Turkish policeman martyred in anti-drug operation

By Zeynep Rakipoglu and Hikmet Faruk Baser

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Turkish police officer was martyred in an attack on an anti-narcotics team in Istanbul, the provincial governorship said Saturday.

Armed assailants opened fire on the team in Bagcilar district wounding officers Erkan Gokteke in the chest and Yunus Nacar in the arm.

They were rushed to the hospital but Gokteke succumbed to his wounds.

In the aftermath of the incident, a search operation backed by helicopters was launched.

Three suspects were arrested and the weapons used in the attack were seized.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya extended his condolences to the family of the martyred police officer and to the Turkish nation.