Security forces at the Interior Ministry in Ankara Photo: REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan
By Celal Cakar and Christopher Buhl
The Turkish capital Ankara was rocked by an explosion on Sunday morning.
According to a report by CNN Türk, the explosion is said to have occurred near the parliament and the Interior Ministry. The entrances to parliament were closed. Shots could also be heard in videos on social networks.
The crime scene in Ankara was cordoned off Photo: REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya spoke of a terrorist attack immediately after the explosion. Two terrorists carried out a bomb attack with a delivery truck. One of the terrorists blew himself up, the other was “neutralized”.
According to Turkish media reports, suspicious packages in the vehicle are being examined.
Two police officers were slightly injured in an exchange of fire with one of the perpetrators. The explosion occurred near the Turkish parliament, which was due to begin its sessions later in the day after a ceremony. Numerous police and rescue vehicles were on duty.
Interior Minister Yerlikaya wished the “heroes” – the injured police officers – a speedy recovery and added: “Until the last terrorist is neutralized, our fight will continue relentlessly.” President Recep Tayyip Edogan (69) has not yet commented on the attack.
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