Turkish opposition demands explanation for Şırnak air raid

Turkey's opposition parties have demanded an official explanation from the government for an air raid that killed up to 35 people in the southeastern province of Şırnak last night, Hurriyet Daily News reports on Thursday.

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Sebahat Tuncel said she was expecting an explanation from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and said the General Staff's statement effectively tried to justify the killings.

Republican People's Party (CHP) group deputy chairwoman Emine Ülker Tarhan said it was “upsetting” for civilians to die in the struggle against terrorism. "I need to see an official explanation before I can comment further.” 

The military reportedly bombed the group, which was believed to have been smuggling diesel from northern Iraq into Turkey, after it mistook them for members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and much of the international community.