Weapons stockpile found at home of teen police killer in Izmir attack

Authorities in Türkiye continue to investigate the brutal attack on a police station in Izmir, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers. A significant cache of weapons was uncovered at the residence of the suspect, 16-year-old Eren Bigul, shedding light on the extent of the planned assault.

The arsenal found in Bigul’s home included a rifle, pump-action shotgun, pneumatic pistol, blank-firing pistol, numerous rifle cartridges, binoculars, and a tactical knife, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Investigators also revealed that Bigul had fabricated a homemade explosive device, which he deployed against police officers during the attack.

Further forensic analysis of the suspect’s confiscated mobile phone and computer, conducted by cybercrime experts, uncovered frequent communications between Bigul and an Iranian national identified as Haleg Nouriboroujerdi. Authorities traced Nouriboroujerdi’s location through the IP address of his computer. The individual was subsequently apprehended in Istanbul and transferred to Izmir. Preliminary intelligence suggests a possible affiliation with ISIS.

Eren Bigul, who sustained injuries during the police confrontation, has now completed treatment in the intensive care unit and has been moved to a general hospital ward as his condition stabilizes.

To recall, a 16-year-old high-school student attacked a police station in western Türkiye on September 8 with a shotgun, killing two police officers.

Two other police officers and a civilian were wounded in the attack in the Balcova district of Izmir, Türkiye’s third largest city.

By Vafa Guliyeva