Ukraine in Arabic | Turkish Kurds hold protests calling for more help for Kobani
KYIV/Ukraine in Arabic/ Kurdish community in Turkey has been out on the streets calling for more military support for the Syrian town of Kobani, under assault by ISIL militants.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon to break up the demonstrations in at least five Turkish cities. As result, at least 12 people have been killed and many more injured. Officers reportedly used live ammunition at protesters – local media claims to have seen one 25-year-old shot dead.
Most of the unrest took place in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish eastern and southeastern provinces where curfews were eventually declared. Clashes also erupted in Istanbul and the capital Ankara.
Kurds are demanding that the Turkish government to do more to protect the besieged town in Syria which lies a short distance from the Turkish border.
Officers reportedly used live ammunition at protesters – local media claims to have seen one 25-year-old shot dead.
There are also reports that Kurdish protesters clashed with Islamic groups in some districts.
A government spokesperson called for the violence to stop warning against possible reprisals.
Besides, Kurd demonstrations also took place in other countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Switzerland and France.