Turkish hijack "bomb" was modelling clay-papers

ANKARA, Aug 19 (Reuters) A ''bomb'' hijackers threatened to use against hostages on a Turkish plane yesterday turned out to be a block of modelling clay with wires attached, several Turkish newspapers reported today.

Two men, one Turkish and one a Syrian passport holder thought to be Palestinian, hijacked the plane early yesterday as it headed from Turkish-backed northern Cyprus to Istanbul.

Most passengers were quickly released or escaped through emergency exits but six crew and passengers were held hostage until the hijackers surrendered about five hours after forcing the plane to land in southern Turkey.

The pair had demanded to be taken to Tehran, but their motives were not clear, officials said.

REUTERS JT ND1415