Following the killing of more mules in Roboskî last night, the military blockade is continuing. Local people, who fear more slaughter, say that they have no alternative to carrying out cross-border trade.

In the village of Roboskî, where 34 people were killed by Turkish war planes over 3 years ago, the mules used by local people in cross-border trade have again been targeted by the Turkish army.

According to Veli Encü, who is in Roboskî, last night's slaughter took place between 19.00 and 23.00. Troops opened fire on people engaged in trade, causing them to flee in panic, while close to 8 mules were killed. Another was killed early this morning.

Mules were also killed a few days ago.

Angry villagers gathered at the spot this morning. Encü said: "We demanded justice for the mules killed last week, but we have heard nothing from the authorities."

'There may be further slaughter'

Encü said there is still a blockade of the village, adding that the residents fear further slaughter. Encü said: "People here have no choice but to carry out cross-border trade. There is no alternative means of making a living."

The place where the mules were slaughtered is a hamlet called Zewiya (Tarlabaşi) 2 kilometres from the border, which the residents had to leave in 1993.