Police: School kids targeted in pro-PKK demonstration in Mardin

The PKK gave instructions for the attack, aimed at scaring the school children in Mardin's 23 Nisan Elementary School, according to the statement released by the Mardin Police Department, carried by the semi-official Anatolia news agency.

The statement did not say when the attack took place but did note that activities related to April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day were taking place in the school when the attack took place, suggesting that the attack was on April 23.

Official celebrations are held across Turkey on April 23, an official holiday that marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Parliament.

According to the statement, demonstrations coincided with the funeral of a PKK member, who, according to the statement, was killed on April 8 when a mine the terrorist was trying to plant along the Mardin-Diyarbakır highway exploded.

“It has been determined that the terrorist organization instructed its supporters through Internet sites to boycott April 23 activities. On the same day a fireworks attack aimed at scaring students of 23 Nisan Elementary School was carried out,” the statement read, adding that there was camera footage showing children terrified by the attack and a number of parents passing out.

The police in Mardin also distributed images which they said were photos from the scene of the attack.