We'll Crush Terrorists' Heads" Says New İnterior Minister

The interior minister of Turkey's interim government, Selami Altınok, will show no tolerance to terrorists trying to destabilize the country, saying, "We'll severely crush their heads if necessary."

Altınok, who was appointed to the interim government while he was serving as the head of the Istanbul Police Department, underlined the fight against terror will continue with determinacy.

"We will never show this [terrorism] tolerance, we'll not allow any kind of rebellion against the Republic of Turkey and its people. We'll severely crush their heads if necessary" he told reporters late Sept. 1, on the sidelines of a reception held on the occasion of the beginning of the judicial year.

The minister referred to outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants who have been engaged into intensified clashes with the Turkish Army since mid-July.

Altınok said he became the interior minister only two days ago and he was still reading the necessary files before making comprehensive statements on other issues related to security matters. - Ankara