Police captured an armed man who had taken workers hostage at a Procter & Gamble PG.N factory in northwestern Turkey on Thursday, and rescued seven hostages, ending protests against Israeli military operations in Gaza. The local governor's office announced this.
The Kocaeli governor's office said the hostages were not injured, adding that a rescue operation had been launched after negotiations with the hostage-takers failed.
“Our security forces intervened and neutralized the suspect,” the statement said, adding that the suspect was a factory employee who “wanted to draw attention to the ongoing occupation in Gaza.”
P&G thanked authorities for their response to the crisis.
“Our greatest relief is that no one was hurt. We are grateful to the authorities and first responders who managed the situation with courage and professionalism,” the company said in a statement.
The hostages are six men and one woman.
“Efforts are ongoing to support the most directly affected employees and their families, as well as the entire P&G community.”
Demiroren news agency earlier reported that the hostage-taker entered a factory in the Gebze industrial zone in Kocaeli province at around 3:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. Japan time), after which police rushed to the scene and forced the man to surrender. He added that he had tried to persuade him to do so.
According to media reports, the hostages were six men and one woman.
Earlier photos published by local media showed a man inside the factory with his face covered by a Palestinian scarf and possibly carrying what appeared to be an explosive device.
Another photo from the scene shows a man holding a gun in one hand and making a “V” sign with the other in front of a wall painted with Turkish and Palestinian flags. The gate is open. It doesn't matter which way you go.'' For Gaza, it's life in a coffin or death. ”
