Police officer martyred by terrorist in SE Turkey

By Selman Tur

BATMAN, Turkey

A Turkish police officer was martyred Tuesday in a clash with a terrorist who failed to heed the call to surrender, according to a security source.

Security forces raided a house in the southeastern Batman province to capture a terrorist plotting an attack, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Security forces had learned that a 4-year-old had been taken hostage by the terrorist, so they took care not to harm the child, the source said.

The terrorist -- who responded to the call to surrender by opening fire -- was killed during the raid, while the police officer was heavily injured. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

The terrorist was identified as Demhat Agir, codenamed Baver Damlayici, who was wanted for being armed terrorist group membership.

The rescued child was returned to its family, the source added.

A gun and two hand grenades were also seized at the house.