Manhunt Underway in Western Turkey Following Deadly Shooting Spree That Left Eight Dead

A large-scale manhunt is underway in western Turkey after a gunman killed eight people and critically injured another in a series of shootings across multiple locations.

The attacks unfolded Thursday in Afyonkarahisar province, where victims were discovered inside three separate vehicles in different areas, according to local reports and officials.

Closed-circuit television footage circulated by Turkish media captured a suspect described as a man wearing a black jacket, white trousers, and glasses, holding what appeared to be a long-barreled weapon while standing beside a red minivan.

The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that three people were killed near the village of Ayazini and three others near Kıyır village. In the Yukarıtandır area, two women were found critically wounded and later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Local outlets identified two teachers among the fatalities.

Authorities sealed off roads leading to the affected villages as police launched an extensive operation to locate the gunman, who fled the scene following the rampage.

The newspaper Milliyet reported that a vehicle allegedly seized by the attacker was later discovered stuck in mud, suggesting the suspect abandoned it and continued his escape on foot.

In a statement posted on social media, the Afyonkarahisar Governorate confirmed that “all relevant institutions of our state have been working in coordination since the very first moment and are meticulously carrying out the necessary work.”

The statement added: “We pray to God for mercy on the deceased citizens and offer our condolences and patience to their grieving families and loved ones.”

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