The Turkish army is allegedly using civilian people in Trabzon as human shields, claims a report by daily Milliyet paper.

The operation in the district of Düzköy by gendarmerie and police units in the area was launched following an explosion in front of Düzköy Gendarmerie Command which left three soldiers wounded on Tuesday.

The report by Milliyet quoted the mayor of Düzköy Salih Bakal’s statement on the operation; “The people of the region are also affected by the operation. Our people are unarmed as they assist security forces by informing them about the region’s properties. However, as the children of a nationalist and conservative province, we are ready to take up arms and support our security forces whenever necessary.”