A gunman opened fire inside a vocational high school in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa province on Tuesday morning, injuring at least 13 people, most of them students, according to local authorities and media reports.

The incident occurred at Ahmet Koyuncu Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi. According to eyewitnesses and initial police statements, an unidentified assailant — reported to be between 17 and 18 years old — entered the school premises armed with a pump-action shotgun and began firing indiscriminately at students and staff. 

As of the latest updates, the number of injured has risen to 13. Some students reportedly jumped from windows to escape the gunfire. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far. The injured were transported to Siverek State Hospital and nearby facilities for treatment. Several are said to be in stable condition, though the full extent of injuries is still being assessed. 

Police Special Operations teams have been dispatched to the scene and have surrounded the school. The suspect remains barricaded inside the building, and negotiations for his surrender are ongoing. Some unconfirmed reports circulating on social media mentioned a possible suicide threat, but authorities have not verified this.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police have launched a full investigation, and security measures have been tightened across the district. Most students have been safely evacuated from the school.

Local officials, including politicians from various parties, have condemned the attack. Messages of solidarity and “get well soon” wishes have poured in for the injured students and school staff.

This shocking incident has sent waves of concern through the community in Siverek, a district already no stranger to occasional violence. Parents and educators are calling for stronger security measures in educational institutions following the event.We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge from official sources. (ILKHA)