Ankara, Turkey – An explosion occurred outside the Turkish Interior Ministry, located in the capital city of Ankara. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya swiftly categorized this incident as a “terrorist attack” on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
At approximately 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT), two assailants arrived at the scene in a commercial vehicle. In a coordinated assault, they injured two police officers, according to statements from Minister Yerlikaya.
The attackers executed their plan with precision. One of them detonated an explosive device right in front of a ministry building. Sooner, the security forces took action to “neutralize” the second assailant.
Parliamentary Session Disrupted
This shocking attack unfolded just hours before the Turkish parliament was scheduled to reconvene. The incident cast a pall over the proceedings and heightened security concerns throughout the capital.
As of now, the identity of the attackers remains shrouded in mystery. No individual or group has come forward to claim responsibility for this audacious assault.
Initial reports from the scene also mentioned the sound of gunfire echoing through the area. Emergency services responded swiftly, and law enforcement authorities cordoned off several adjacent roads as they assessed the situation.
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Government’s Resolve
Minister Yerlikaya took to social media, underscoring the government’s determination. He stated, “Our struggle will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized.”
Meanwhile, the Ankara police department initiated “controlled explosions” of “suspicious packages” as a precautionary measure aimed at averting any potential further detonations.
Despite the unsettling attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was set to deliver a significant address during the parliamentary session later in the day.
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