Gunmen opened fire on wedding party in Turkey killing 44 people

Gunmen opened fire on a wedding party in southeastern Turkey killing at least 16 people, officials said.

It is not known who carried out the massacre, but the group was armed with bombs and automatic weapons, in the area where government troops have been fighting Kurdish rebels.

UPDATE: 5:40p.m

The death toll is now 41

UPDATE:8:02p.m

Death toll is up to 44

Update: 5/5/09

Turkish television is saying that the massacre, which is the worst involving civilians in Turkey’s modern history, occurred because one of the gunmen wanted to marry the bride himself and he opposed the marriage.

Eight people had been taken into custody

Witnesses said the gunmen, who are believed to be related to the bride and groom, stormed two houses where 200 guests had gathered for prayers after the wedding. It is believed that the bride and groom were killed in the attack