Business Leader slain in terrorist bombing

(Hamilton Newsweb Archives; November 23 3132)

Kazan City – Authorities have today confirmed the death of Sayyid Niyazi, a prominent local business leader, in what appears to be a random terrorist attack.

After being missing for several days, Niyazi (47) was confirmed killed by a roadside bomb or landmine. According to a police statement, Niyazi was driving alone when his groundcar struck an explosive device on or about the 8^th of November. The explosives completely destroyed his vehicle as well as his body, leaving only trace DNA evidence and behind. An extensive police search recovered the vehicle two days later, but at the time no evidence of his death could be found or confirmed.

Extensive investigation of the wreck turned up bone and skin fragments that were subsequently used to prove the identity of the driver, and confirm Niyazi’s death. The lack of evidence was attributed to the force of the explosion, designed as “a weapon designed to cripple a tank or BattleMech, and more than enough to completely destroy a car” by authorities. At present, there is no indication that this was anything other than a random attack, possibly one intended for a military target.

The attack is one of several to have occurred since the failure of the Hamilton Hypepulse Generator (as well as others within Prefecture VII) believed to be the work of ethnic Qizilqum separatists. As yet, no group has come forward to claim responsibility for this or other attacks, but Planetary Guard authorities have stated that they have evidence suggesting these attacks are a part of a larger, organised group. District Governor Sukhrab Kentau was unavailable for comment.

Sayyid Niyazi was a prominent local businessman with considerable ties to the community. Recently, he was in the headlines after donating a million Stones to the construction of youth centres and community health facilities. With his death, the status of his commercial holdings comes into question as Niyazi has no known family or children. He is survived only by his sister, Yana Zaydid.