Two hostage-takers reported at Turkish P&G factory as new details emerge

Turkish news agency DHA says two gunmen are holding seven workers at a Proctor and Gamble plant outside Turkey hostage.

Police have sealed off surrounding roads at the factory and are said to be trying to negotiate with the hostage-takers.

P&G’s head office in Cincinnati confirms an ongoing incident. “Earlier today, we evacuated our Gebze facility and are working with local authorities to resolve an urgent security situation,” it says.

A photograph of the suspect carried in the Turkish media shows him with a black-and-white Arabic headscarf covering his face and a gun in his hand. He is standing next to a graffitied wall showing the Turkish and Palestinian flags with the slogan, “The gates will open. Either musalla or death for Gaza.”

https://twitter.com/ImtiazMadmood/status/1753121622477722060

A musalla is an open prayer area for Muslims, usually used for funeral rites.

It identifies one of the attackers as a painter and says he posted on social media “From now on, the only thing my loved ones will do is pray for me like they pray for Palestine.”

DHA also publishes photographs of some of the hostages celebrating a birthday. It reports that the staff had brought a cake into work for one of their colleagues and the hostage-takers allowed them to celebrate.