ANKARA, 2 October 2023: Two terrorists carried out a bomb attack in front of the gate of the Security Directorate General here yesterday. But the police took timely action and succeeded in foiling this terror attack, reports Anadolu Agency.
The links of one of the dead attackers to the terrorist group PKK have been confirmed, the Interior Ministry said, adding that an investigation of the other terrorist continues.
The vehicle used in the attack was found to have been stolen from a Turkish citizen named Mikail Bozlagan, who worked as a veterinary health technician in Develi in the central Kayseri province. He was murdered by the terrorists and his vehicle was stolen, the Ministry said in a statement.
Two police officers were slightly injured when one of the two terrorists blew himself.
“Two terrorists, who arrived in a light commercial vehicle in front of the gate of the Security Directorate General, carried out a bomb attack. One of the terrorists blew himself up and the other was neutralized,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya previously said on X.
In a speech marking the start of parliament’s new legislative year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday’s terrorist act, in which two criminals were neutralized thanks to timely police intervention, was part of what he called the “last gasps of terrorism.”
“Terrorists trying to destroy peace and security in Türkiye will never succeed,” President Erdogan said.
Stressing the need for solidarity in the fight against terrorism, Erdogan said: “We have largely solved the separatist terrorism issue, which has made our country pay heavy human and economic costs for 40 years, within our borders.”
He reiterated that Türkiye will continue to fight terrorism with determination until the last terrorist at home or abroad is eliminated. “We will not allow the terrorist group to direct politics or prevent the sacred march of our country,” he added.
Ankara prosecutors have launched an investigation into the terrorist attack.
Worldwide condemnation
World leaders expressed solidarity with Türkiye and condemned the terror attack foiled by security forces.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the terror attack, stating in a post on X: “NATO stands in solidarity with #Türkiye in the fight against terrorism.”
The French Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with Türkiye.
“Terrible news from #Ankara, which has been hit by a terrorist attack today. We express our solidarity with the people of Türkiye & wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” said the German Foreign Ministry.
Austria condemned the “heinous attack,” and wished injured police officers a speedy recovery.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry “strongly condemns” the attack, saying “Romania stands in full solidarity with #Türkiye & wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Arab countries also condemned the terrorist attack in the Turkish capital, Ankara. Egypt expressed full solidarity with the Turkish people and government, wishing a speedy recovery to all wounded.
Saudi Arabia denounced the terrorist attack and stressed its rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.
Qatar condemned the terrorist attack and underlined its “firm position rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reasons.” The Foreign Ministry emphasized Qatar’s “solidarity and support for the Turkish government and people against terrorism.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed solidarity with the Turkish government and people following the attack and wished a speedy recovery for all the injured.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry affirmed its solidarity with Türkiye and condemned all forms of violence and terrorism that could destabilize security and stability, expressing wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a cable of condemnation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated his country’s support for all measures taken by Ankara to confront terrorist acts and maintain its security and stability.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” and stressed support for Türkiye in the face of terrorism.
Libya’s Tripoli-based government also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara and affirmed the country’s “solidarity and support” with Türkiye in its efforts against terrorism.
The Algerian Presidency also denounced the attack and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq also denounced the terrorist attack in Ankara and called in a statement for bolstering international cooperation “to combat terrorism and prevent their activities globally.”
