No external cause in SE Turkey blast: Defense chief

Initial findings show flames caused by high pressure led to deadly blast in Hakkari provicne, says Hulusi Akar
No external cause in SE Turkey blast: Defense chief

Initial investigation of a deadly blast last week in southeastern Turkey showed that there was no external cause behind the incident, said Turkey's defense minister on Monday.

At least seven Turkish soldiers were martyred and 25 injured in the ammunition depot explosion in the Hakkari province on Friday.

"There is absolutely no external cause for this accident," said Hulusi Akar.

Akar said that preliminary findings showed that flames caused by high pressure behind a barrel caused the blast.

Turning to the fight against terrorism, Akar said that the fight continues in Turkey, northern Iraq, and other regions with “intense determination.”