Explosion Strikes Ankara, Kurdish Group Claims Responsibility
Ankara Attack: Two Suspects Neutralized as Kurdish Separatist Group Claims Responsibility
“Two Suspects Neutralized in Ankara Government Building Attack Claimed by Kurdish Separatist Group”
In a recent incident that shook the Turkish capital, Ankara, a suicide bombing targeted a government building, leaving two police officers injured on the same day that the country’s parliament resumed its sessions following the summer recess. The attack occurred around 9:30 am when two suspects approached the Interior Ministry in a light commercial vehicle. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided details to reporters, explaining that the police swiftly reacted by opening fire on the attackers as soon as they exited the vehicle. Tragically, one of the assailants managed to detonate a suicide bomb, while the other was shot in the head before he could activate his explosive device. The injured officers were promptly transported to a hospital, where it was confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening.
In the aftermath of the attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the legislators after the parliament’s reopening, condemning the incident as “the last stand of terrorism.” He labeled the attackers as “cowards” who threaten the peace and security of Turkish citizens, emphasizing that they would not achieve their goals.
The responsibility for the attack was later claimed by the ‘Immortals Battalion,’ a unit of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), according to ANF News, a media outlet associated with the separatist group. It’s worth noting that the PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Turkey.
As of Sunday evening, Turkey’s justice ministry had not identified the culprits behind the attack. An official criminal investigation has been launched, and authorities are examining social media accounts that posted footage of the incident, following government restrictions on coverage, as stated by Yerlikaya.
The Interior Ministry also reported that a bomb-disposal unit conducted a controlled explosion of the device that was removed from one of the attackers. The bombing occurred in close proximity to the parliament building, just hours before it commenced its new legislative year with a ceremony attended by President Erdoğan.
Security concerns have been a prominent issue in Turkey, with President Erdoğan frequently addressing the government’s efforts to combat the PKK, ISIS, and a religious network blamed for the 2016 coup attempt during his election campaigns earlier in the year.
One of the significant matters parliament is expected to consider is whether to approve Sweden’s accession to NATO. Vice-President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that Sweden needs to take more action against extremist groups, including those linked to the PKK, to gain parliament’s support for its NATO membership.
This incident comes less than a year after a bombing in Istanbul’s commercial district claimed the lives of six individuals and injured numerous others. Turkey attributed that attack to Kurdish groups affiliated with the PKK. Notably, ISIS and far-left militants have also carried out bombings in Turkey in the past.
The most significant wave of terror attacks in Turkey occurred between 2015 and 2017, including several bombings in the capital, Ankara. Additionally, Ankara played a pivotal role in the failed 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in damage to the parliament building.
In response to the attack, law enforcement officers, some armed with rifles and riot shields, patrolled downtown Ankara, while the entrance to the parliament building was fortified with heavily armored vehicles. A helicopter was also seen overhead.
The Turkish government, known for its tight regulation of the press and social media, imposed reporting restrictions on local media outlets. The country’s communications directorate released a statement on social media, urging citizens to rely on official sources and remain vigilant against disinformation.
International allies expressed their support, with European Council President Charles Michel condemning the “cowardly attempt” to harm the Turkish people, and the British ambassador affirming their stance against terrorism and support for Turkey in its fight against it. The U.S. embassy also stood in solidarity with Turkey, a NATO ally, against terrorism.
In the wake of this attack, the Turkish government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding peace and security within its borders, even in the face of persistent threats from terrorist organizations like the PKK.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
