Batman: A senior official from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Mehmet Derik, along with his son and nephew, were killed in an armed attack in the southeastern city of Batman. The incident occurred at a cemetery, where the victims were targeted by unidentified gunmen, resulting in their immediate deaths.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the attack took place while Mehmet Derik, a prominent figure in the AKP, his son, and his nephew were visiting a cemetery in Batman. The assailants, who remain unidentified, managed to flee the scene, prompting Turkish police to cordon off the area and restrict access as part of their investigation. Authorities are currently utilizing CCTV footage and other resources to trace the escape route of the suspects.

The report from Cumhuriyet highlighted Mehmet Derik’s involvement with the AKP, where he had previously held a significant position as the head of the party’s youth organization. He later served as deputy mayor of Batman city center until his resignation from the municipal post in March 2025, though he maintained his membership with the party.

As of now, no official statements have been released regarding the possible motives behind the attack, as the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.