Menemen armed conflict over pigeons leaves 13 injured

A dispute over missing pigeons escalated into a violent armed conflict in the Kazımpaşa neighborhood of Menemen, İzmir, on August 25. The incident began when 16-year-old Mustafa E. accused Nefes K. of having his lost pigeons, leading to a verbal argument with Nefes K.’s father, Sergen K.

The confrontation turned violent when Mustafa E. opened fire with a shotgun from his home, prompting Sergen K. to respond with a licensed hunting rifle. The ensuing shootout, which involved relatives of both parties, left 13 people injured, including three children. One victim, Esma E., remains in serious condition after being hit in the eye, neck, head, and lung areas.

Following the incident, police conducted simultaneous raids on 17 different addresses in the neighborhood. During these operations, authorities seized various weapons, including machetes, swords, and shotguns, as well as synthetic drugs. Four suspects—Can E., Mustafa E., Sergen K., and Gökhan K.—were arrested and subsequently remanded in custody by the court.