At least 28 dead as car bomb targets military in Turkish capital Ankara

[webfact]

At least 28 dead as car bomb targets military in Turkish capital Ankara
By Alasdair Sandford | With REUTERS



ANKARA: -- A bomb attack in the heart of the Turkish capital Ankara – apparently targeting the country’s military – has killed nearly 30 people and injured more than 60.

It’s thought to have been caused by a car bomb. A vehicle filled with explosives reportedly detonated as military buses were stationed close to the armed forces’ headquarters, parliament and government buildings. Buses carrying military personnel were attacked while waiting at traffic lights at an intersection, according to reports.

It happened at the height of the evening rush hour – close to the centre of administrative and military power.

The deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said 28 people were confirmed dead, with 61 injured. He called the attack an act of terrorism.

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called those responsible for the attack “pawns” who knew “no moral or humanitarian bounds”, adding that the fight against them would grow more determined.

He has postponed a planned visit to Azerbaijan, while Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has cancelled his scheduled trip to Brussels.
It’s too early to say who carried out the attack; there was no immediate claim of responsibility. The deputy prime minister said “We don’t know who are the perpetrators of Ankara attack”, but he added that it had been “well planned”.

A security official said earlier that initial signs indicated the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was responsible, but other sources in the mainly Kurdish southeast said so-called Islamic State militants were more likely behind it.

International condemnation has been coming in: including from the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and the French and British governments.

Kurdish militants, left wing radicals and Islamist fundamentalists have all staged bombings in Turkey in recent years.

The PKK has attacked military targets though it has largely focused on the mainly Kurdish southeast.

Turkey has been attacking Kurdish fighters in Syria – to international condemnation – and the country has been feeling the reverberations of the war.

In October an attack in Ankara targeted a rally of pro-Kurdish activists, killing more than 100 people. In Istanbul in December a bomb attack killed several people including German tourists.

The number of victims and the symbolic nature of the latest attack – striking the heart of Turkish military and political power – suggest this is an event that may raise tensions to a new level.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-18

[webfact]

Explosion in Ankara kills at least 28, wounds 61 others
By SUZAN FRASER

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A car bomb went off in the Turkish capital Wednesday near vehicles carrying military personnel, killing at least 28 people and wounding 61 others, officials said.

The explosion occurred during evening rush hour in the heart of Ankara, in an area close to parliament and armed forces headquarters and lodgings. Buses carrying military personnel were targeted while waiting at traffic lights at an intersection, the Turkish military said while condemning the "contemptible and dastardly" attack.

"We believe that those who lost their lives included our military brothers as well as civilians," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said.

At least two military vehicles caught fire and dozens of ambulances were sent to the scene. Dark smoke could be seen billowing from a distance.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Kurtulmus pledged that authorities would find those behind the bombing. He said the government had appointed seven prosecutors to investigate the attack, which he described as being "well-planned."

Kurdish rebels, the Islamic State group and a leftist extremist group have carried out attacks in the country recently. In October, suicide bombings blamed on IS targeted a peace rally outside the main train station in Ankara, killing 102 people in Turkey's deadliest attack in years.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the bombing saying it exceeds all "moral and humane boundaries."

Turkey is determined to fight those who carried out the attack as well as the "forces" behind the assailants, he said.

"Our determination to retaliate to attacks that aim against our unity and future grows stronger with every action," Erdogan said. "It must be known that Turkey will not refrain from using its right to self-defense at all times."

Wednesday's attack comes at a tense time when the Turkish government is facing an array of challenges. A fragile peace process with Kurdish rebels collapsed in the summer and renewed fighting has displaced tens of thousands of civilians.

Turkey has also been helping efforts led by the United States to combat the Islamic State group in neighboring Syria, and has faced several deadly bombings in the last year that were blamed on IS.

The Syrian war is raging along Turkey's southern border. Recent airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces have prompted tens of thousands of Syrian refugees to flee to Turkey's border. Turkey so far has refused to let them in, despite being urged to do so by the United Nations and European nations, but is sending aid to Syrian refugee camps right across the border.

Turkey, which is already home to 2.5 million Syrian refugees, has also been a key focus of European Union efforts to halt the biggest flow of refugees to the continent since World War II. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of refugees leave every night from Turkey to cross the sea to Greece in smugglers' boats.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. Stoltenberg said there can be no justification "for such horrific acts" and that "NATO Allies stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "In the battle against those responsible for these inhuman acts we are on the side of Turkey."

Washington also condemned the attack, according to a statement by Mark Toner, deputy spokesman of the U.S. State Department.

"We reaffirm our strong partnership with our NATO Ally Turkey in combatting the shared threat of terrorism," Toner said.

After the attack, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu canceled a visit to Brussels Wednesday evening and attended a security meeting with Erdogan and other officials. Erdogan postponed a trip to Azerbaijan planned for Thursday.

The government meanwhile, imposed a gag order which bans media organizations from broadcasting or printing graphic images of the dead or injured from the scene of the explosion and also banned reporting on any details of the investigation. Turkey has imposed similar bans after previous attacks.

Last month, 11 German tourists were killed after a suicide bomber affiliated with the IS detonated a bomb in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district. More than 30 people were killed in a suicide attack in the town of Suruc, near Turkey's border with Syria, in July.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-02-18

[ezzra]

You reap what you sow....The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now on the receiving end of his lunatic foreign policies, picking fights with every man and his dog, the EU, the Russian, The Syrian, The Kurds,

the Israelis, he hasn't got not one friend in the region, you can't be a bully without to expect repercussion Mr. lunatic president....

[webfact]

Erdogan claims Turkey’s 'right to retaliate' after Ankara bombing



ANKARA: -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted immediately to the bombing, issuing an “official statement condemning the attack“ http://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/.

In it he underlined that Turkey’s determination to fight those behind such acts, whether they be from outside Turkey’s borders or not, would only get stronger and that it would not hesitate to exercise its right to self defence.

Turkey’s main opposition CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu tweeted his thoughts saying – “That this country does not deserve such pain.”

While Selahaddin Demirtaş of the pro-Kurdish HDP condemned what he described as “ the cruel attack in Ankara, and may those who died in Ankara rest in peace.”

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-18

[Ulic]

What does he expect. He fires shells across the boarder into Syria targeting the Kurds fighting al-Assad. At least the Kurds targeted a military target. Very civilized of them as far as I am concerned. Not terrorism, a military target which has targeted Kurds. Of course I think both sides are guilty but if they keep it between themselves I would stand back and let them have at it. NATO don't get involved. Turkey is not Europe's or NATO countries friend or ally.

[onni4me]

They are already fighting and bombing Kurdis and other groups on Syrian side. At the same time engaging in a massive war drill with Saudis...somehow all this comes too conviniently...one might have thoughts about him planning his "retaliations" beforehand...

[Lukecan]

What does he expect. He fires shells across the boarder into Syria targeting the Kurds

fighting al-Assad. At least the Kurds targeted a military target. Very civilized of them as

far as I am concerned. Not terrorism, a military target which has targeted Kurds. Of

course I think both sides are guilty but if they keep it between themselves I would

stand back and let them have at it. NATO don't get involved. Turkey is not Europe's

or NATO countries friend or ally.

Im sure someone from NATO will read this and follow your brilliant advise.

If Turkey gets destablized Europe will be faced with 20-30m muslim refugees.

Edited February 18, 2016 by Lukecan

[Rancid]

Tragic that innocent civilians always get caught in the middle in these games of chess of TPTB. What does the US call benevolently it? Collateral Damage. Shall we see this as the excuse to invade Syria? Convenient timing though...

You wonder what the Euro leaders have been personally promised to to keep Turkey in the fold as a rogue destabilizer and let Muslims overrun the continent. They should have brought the Russians into NATO back when they were interested, then there wouldn't even be a need for NATO any more, oh wait...

[stillbornagain]

You reap what you sow....The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now on the receiving end of his lunatic foreign policies, picking fights with every man and his dog, the EU, the Russian, The Syrian, The Kurds,

the Israelis, he hasn't got not one friend in the region, you can't be a bully without to expect repercussion Mr. lunatic president....

So when a terrorist attack occurs in Turkey, the government has brought it on itself. But if a terrorist attack occurs in the USA, it's unprovoked.?

[Galactus]

You reap what you sow....The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now on the receiving end of his lunatic foreign policies, picking fights with every man and his dog, the EU, the Russian, The Syrian, The Kurds,

the Israelis, he hasn't got not one friend in the region, you can't be a bully without to expect repercussion Mr. lunatic president...

People are dead and show some respect before you question bigot Erdogan? What about the attacks on Paris? I dont see people questioning Hollande?

ahh, OK i see, so you basically say, these are Muslim killing muslim so it does not even counts as killing or terrorist?

What does he expect. He fires shells across the boarder into Syria targeting the Kurds

fighting al-Assad. At least the Kurds targeted a military target. Very civilized of them as

far as I am concerned. Not terrorism, a military target which has targeted Kurds. Of

course I think both sides are guilty but if they keep it between themselves I would

stand back and let them have at it. NATO don't get involved. Turkey is not Europe's

or NATO countries friend or ally.

well, some says it is a Syrian Kurd did this. and if that s true, Turks will start bombing around more.

and if Russia involves, i am sure Turks kick their butts out of Syria easily.

and i believe you have to question your humanity a bit. People are dead and clearly by a terrorist attack.

are you supporting terrorists? or basically like the guy above, these are just Muslim killing muslim for you so does not count as terrorism or even killing?

it has to be done like France to non muslims than it it terrorism?

and at least turks dont go kiss the ar..se of Assad and be his lapdog for some desert land in Syria and bomb civilians at genocide level. when Assad whistles, Putin Russia attacks!

Edited February 18, 2016 by Galactus

[webfact]

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey's premier: Kurdish rebels, Syrian Kurdish militants responsible for Ankara attack

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish premier: 9 nine people have been arrested in connection with Ankara attack

[webfact]

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish premier confirms media reports that Ankara attacker is Syrian national.

[webfact]

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey's prime minister vows retaliation against Kurdish rebels behind Ankara bombing

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey: Syrian gov't, which backs Syrian Kurdish militias, also to blame for Ankara attack

[connda]

What does he expect. He fires shells across the boarder into Syria targeting the Kurds

fighting al-Assad. At least the Kurds targeted a military target. Very civilized of them as

far as I am concerned. Not terrorism, a military target which has targeted Kurds. Of

course I think both sides are guilty but if they keep it between themselves I would

stand back and let them have at it. NATO don't get involved. Turkey is not Europe's

or NATO countries friend or ally.

Im sure someone from NATO will read this and follow your brilliant advise.

If Turkey gets destablized Europe will be faced with 20-30m muslim refugees.

Good. May they reap what they sow. Can't go to the US, too far of a swim. Anyway, think on the bright side. They now have a larger work force that will do jobs that Europeans won't do for a fraction of the Euros that greedy European workers demand. And the rest? Send them to Germany and France. Merkel and Hollande will take good care of them. And Sweden still has plenty of room too. Can't wait for the day when Mexican Cartel coyotes on the Mexican/US border are hauling German, French, and Swedish asylum seekers across the open US Border seeking to escape the insanity in the EU. Couldn't play our better if the Rand Corporation had planned it.

Edited February 18, 2016 by connda

[MaeJoMTB]

Kurds?

No way?

[snoop1130]

Turkish PM blames Syrian Kurd militants for deadly Ankara blast
Euronews

TURKEY -- Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has accused the Syrian-based Kurdish YPG militia of being behind Wednesday’s deadly bombing in Ankara.

Davutoglu named the perpetrator as Salih Necar, a Syrian national and member of the YPG People’s Protection Units. Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the attack.

The prime minister added: “I won’t give details now on where they come from and how they were organised, but we have all the information and will share it with all countries. I will give the order to the Foreign Ministry today to distribute all related documentation, giving priority to the P5 Security Council countries. We will show those who say the YPG is not a terrorist organisation. Then we expect to receive indisputable solidarity in return.”

He insisted that the faction is a terrorist group.

Last week, Turkey lashed out at the US for refusing to recognise the YPG’s political wing — the PYD Democratic Union Party — as an extremist organisation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists the PYD is involved in the Ankara bombing, despite its denials.

“We are completely refuting that,” party leader Saleh Muslim told Reuters news agency.

He also denied claims the YPG was firing into Turkey.

“I can assure you that not even one bullet is fired by YPG into Turkey,” said Muslim. “They don’t consider Turkey as an enemy.”

He claims instead that Turkey is trying to escalate the fighting in northern Syria.
Soldiers targeted?

Of the 28 who died in the Ankara bombing, 27 were soldiers. Dozens more were injured.

Turkish armed forces appear to have been the target of two attacks in as many days.

This morning (February 18) at least six soldiers were killed in an explosion appearing to target a military convoy near Diyarbakir, in the predominantly Kurdish south east of Turkey.

Following the blast, Turkish war planes bombed PKK Kurdistan Workers’ Party positions in Iraq.

Cemil Bayik, a top official in the outlawed militant organisation, which is based in Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan, had earlier said he had no knowledge of who was responsible for the Ankara attack.

However, he suggested the bombing could have been carried out in “retaliation for the massacres in Kurdistan.”

Source: http://www.euronews.com/2016/02/18/turkish-pm-ahmet-davutoglu-says-syrian-kurdish-ypg-militants-directly/

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-18

[Credo]

So, the Turks bomb the Syrian Kurds in Syria. The Syrian Kurds bomb the Turks in Turkey. The Syrian Kurds kill 27 military personnel and apparently one non-military person. It is a heinous act, but since it targeted military personnel, is it really an act of terrorism?

[KC 71]

Sometimes its hard to know whos fighting who these days ! Very sad

[Thorgal]

Turkey needed to have a good reason to intervene for whatever in Syria...apparently it was a Syrian national who was involved in committing this tragic event.

The Turkish army were preparing the last weeks for a ground invasion even before the call from the Saudi's.

I'm still waiting for another important player who didn't show his tail yet in the Syrian civil war by the MSM...

Edited February 18, 2016 by Thorgal

[JemJem]

Turkey, under the dictatorial leadership of Erdogan, is looking for a good excuse to invade Syria and then possibly attack the Kurds in Rojava.

It is sad that many Turks are yet to realise that the country is sliding towards an Islamofascist regime.

2015 was a bloody year for Turkey. I fear that 2016 will be even bloodier.

As an anti-fascist Turk, my heart is with the Rojava Kurds, and with all the anti-fascists around the world who despise Erdogan.

I can't believe that some of the posters here are defending the Turkish government. Haven't you followed what has been going on in Turkey and in the region, especially in the last 3 years or so ?!

It seems like the madness and fascism in Turkey won't end anytime soon

[erobando]

Those mischievous Kurds keep bombing Ankara... just like they did last October, right?

[arjunadawn]

Why would any believe the Turkish Erdogan/PM at first glance? The Turkish government has lost nearly all credibility on both regional affairs and their own politics. Notwithstanding the emotional drivel above where a poster complains that people are "dead" and therefore Erdogan/PM should not be judged. Lets be clear, he has considerable blood on his hands. Social memory should be a bit longer. It is only a few years ago that the PM's office got caught planning false flag terror attacks inside Syria to justify attacking Syrian Kurds. The list is long demonstrating present Turkish leaders as differing little from that which they state they oppose- very little!

Its apparent that with the mix of Russia, and the US no longer kowtowing to Turkey as the middle man any longer because events are now bigger than the US and Turkey (their previous la cosa nostra now has many uninvited guests), the west is turning to other avenues to quickly ensure a desirable outcome or at least a less undesirable outcome- Munich, talks, ceasefire, etc. All as a direct result of Russia entering the fray and the DAESH architects losing control of their asset. The West will move fast to set up protected areas on the ground inside Syria, no fly zones, etc., and Turkey does not want this to come to pass locked Turkey's enemies in a protected UN-like space nearby. Turkey will be immediately left with defining a single conflict with Syrian Kurds directly and irrespective of the larger regional issue or accepting the lose and allowing the larger forces to work on problem solving. One this is clear: Turkey is finding it difficult to any longer conceal its war upon the Kurds as war upon DAESH.

Cui bono? I don't believe anything this Erdogan/PM or his stooges state.

Note: Yes, people are dead. Many people have died directly by the guiding hand of this Turkish leader. Do your homework.

[JemJem]

Here is an excellent article on AKP. I am sure that more and more people, including some liberal fools, are finally seeing the true colors of this Islamofascist party. But of course, it could sadly all be too little too late. AKP/Erdogan has already accumulated considerable power in almost all critical institutions of Turkey; and the tide will be extremely hard to change.

http://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/374-the-akp-and-turkey%E2%80%99s-long-tradition-of-islamo-fascism.html

This piece was written last February. Just keep in mind that things in Turkey have deteriorated even more since then.

[Lukecan]

Anyone who calls Erdogan a dictator probably has no clue about reality. You are letting your political ideology cloud your judgements. Erdogan has support north of 50% in his country, he was elected fair and square. He has more support than Obama,Merkel,Cameron.

Putin is not a dictator too, eventhough the western media is labelling him as one, he has support north of 80%.

Always take it with a grain of salt when leftists start labelling a leader as a dictator.

Note JemJem, when Turkey falls, which it will if the war continues, the AKP supporters you deeply hate will all end up in Europe, and they will influence society in Europe. This is what Putin is trying to do, he wants to take revenge for the sanctions Europe has placed on Russia. He wants vengeance against NATOs expansioanary policies too.

Saddam, Qaddafi, Mobarek were all labelled as dictators too, is Iraq better off now? Is Libya better off? Is Egypt better off. ISIS controls huge territories in Iraq and Libya. If Turkey falls , EU will end up sharing a border with ISIS.

So becareful what you wish for.

[sead]

What does he expect. He fires shells across the boarder into Syria targeting the Kurds

fighting al-Assad. At least the Kurds targeted a military target. Very civilized of them as

far as I am concerned. Not terrorism, a military target which has targeted Kurds. Of

course I think both sides are guilty but if they keep it between themselves I would

stand back and let them have at it. NATO don't get involved. Turkey is not Europe's

or NATO countries friend or ally.

Im sure someone from NATO will read this and follow your brilliant advise.

If Turkey gets destablized Europe will be faced with 20-30m muslim refugees.

But let me tell you that theres a big difference between Turkish muslims and Syrian. Sweden has alot of Turks but not once did we have any problems with them. Ever

[kiwikeith]

You reap what you sow....The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now on the receiving end of his lunatic foreign policies, picking fights with every man and his dog, the EU, the Russian, The Syrian, The Kurds,

the Israelis, he hasn't got not one friend in the region, you can't be a bully without to expect repercussion Mr. lunatic president....

Firing across the Border at Kurds fighting ISIS, shooting down Russian planes, providing training grounds for IS, buying IS oil , letting IS run across the border into Syria.

Letting the Saudis Jets into Turkey the very Saudis supplying IS with US arms and to threaten Syria with invasion by Saudi and Turkish troops'

A true psycopathic maniac.

Trouble is the world is full of them in high positions of power.

[Galactus]

So, the Turks bomb the Syrian Kurds in Syria. The Syrian Kurds bomb the Turks in Turkey. The Syrian Kurds kill 27 military personnel and apparently one non-military person. It is a heinous act, but since it targeted military personnel, is it really an act of terrorism?

well then 9/11 was not a terrorist attack too same as Paris then.

there were civil personal killed in that latest attack including by passers not only military.

Syrian Kurds are killing civilians and forcing them to leave their homes. they just want some land over there by stealing and changing demographic of the region and they attack Turkish outposts at the border too.

of course prejudice closed the eyes of some here. and some just brainwashed of course and ignorant have no idea what is going on there while sitting on the comfy sofas thousands of kms away.

so turkey has every right to bomb Syrian kurds and they have more right to do it now.

[Galactus]

You reap what you sow....The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now on the receiving end of his lunatic foreign policies, picking fights with every man and his dog, the EU, the Russian, The Syrian, The Kurds,

the Israelis, he hasn't got not one friend in the region, you can't be a bully without to expect repercussion Mr. lunatic president....

Firing across the Border at Kurds fighting ISIS, shooting down Russian planes, providing training grounds for IS, buying IS oil , letting IS run across the border into Syria.

Letting the Saudis Jets into Turkey the very Saudis supplying IS with US arms and to threaten Syria with invasion by Saudi and Turkish troops'

A true psycopathic maniac.

Trouble is the world is full of them in high positions of power.

blah blah blah, show me one evidence.

of course ignorance is bliss for you?

just read some and come back.

kurds fight with Arabs and Turkmens more than ISIS.

[Galactus]

Turkey, under the dictatorial leadership of Erdogan, is looking for a good excuse to invade Syria and then possibly attack the Kurds in Rojava.

It is sad that many Turks are yet to realise that the country is sliding towards an Islamofascist regime.

2015 was a bloody year for Turkey. I fear that 2016 will be even bloodier.

As an anti-fascist Turk, my heart is with the Rojava Kurds, and with all the anti-fascists around the world who despise Erdogan.

I can't believe that some of the posters here are defending the Turkish government. Haven't you followed what has been going on in Turkey and in the region, especially in the last 3 years or so ?!

It seems like the madness and fascism in Turkey won't end anytime soon

screw erdogan! again you just support kurds just to go against erdogan.

yeah and you are still here in Thailand enjoying hot weather and drinks?

i believe you talk only.

why dont you go join Kurds at Rojava? easy to talk from here?

or why dont you go protest Erdogan in Turkey?

kurds thereare fascist too. no difference between a fascist kurd or turk imo so are you partial?

and are you not aware of the fact that Kurds kill and forcefully send local population out of their homes and land?

you dont see these and still support kurds? you are as fascist as them or ignorance is bliss?

[Credo]

So, the Turks bomb the Syrian Kurds in Syria. The Syrian Kurds bomb the Turks in Turkey. The Syrian Kurds kill 27 military personnel and apparently one non-military person. It is a heinous act, but since it targeted military personnel, is it really an act of terrorism?

well then 9/11 was not a terrorist attack too same as Paris then.

there were civil personal killed in that latest attack including by passers not only military.

Syrian Kurds are killing civilians and forcing them to leave their homes. they just want some land over there by stealing and changing demographic of the region and they attack Turkish outposts at the border too.

of course prejudice closed the eyes of some here. and some just brainwashed of course and ignorant have no idea what is going on there while sitting on the comfy sofas thousands of kms away.

so turkey has every right to bomb Syrian kurds and they have more right to do it now.

I am in no way trying to justify or minimize this terrible tragedy. It is a major event and my thoughts are with the many families who have lost a loved one.

There is a lot of different confusion about what exactly terrorism is, but generally, it is attacks on the civilian population. In 9/11 the attack was on innocent civilians. In Paris it was civilians. In this case, it was an attack on military targets.