A terrorist attack at the heart of Turkish capital that left two police officers slightly injured has attracted condemnation from the EU and the United States, which expressed their solidarity with Turkey against acts of terrorism.
The outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and much of the international community, claimed responsibility for the blast, which took place when one of two suicide bombers blew himself up on Atatürk Boulevard, which is home to several ministries and the Turkish parliament.
The other suicide bomber was killed by security forces.
“I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack on the Ministry of Interior in Ankara, and wish a fast and full recovery for the police officers injured in the line of duty. NATO stands in solidarity with Türkiye in the fight against terrorism,” said Jens Stoltenberg on the X social media platform on Sunday.
The attack took place just hours before the reopening of the Turkish parliament after summer recess. Turkey’s parliament is expected to consider ratifying Sweden’s bid to join NATO in the coming weeks after Turkey had raised initial objections and delayed enlargement of the bloc.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström said on X that he was appalled the attack in Ankara, adding that his country stands firm in its long-term commitment and partnership with Turkey to fight all kinds of terrorism.
Charles Michel, European Council president, said he strongly condemned the terrorist attack, while EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said the EU supports Turkey “in its fight against terrorism.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said on X that he condemns the attack in Ankara, wishes those injured a speedy recovery and rejects terrorism in all its forms and that the US “stand firmly by our NATO Ally Türkiye and the Turkish people.”
The US Embassy in Ankara, meanwhile, issued a security warning for its citizens, warning them to avoid the area where the explosion took place.
The Turkish government frequently accuses the EU and the United States of not sufficiently cooperating with Turkey against terrorist groups, mainly the PKK.
Sweden tightened its anti-terrorism legislation in July of 2022 following pressure from Turkey.