The Kurdistan Workers' Party claimed responsibility for the recent terror attack.
In response to Sunday's attack, Turkish military forces carried out airstrikes on Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, as reported by Sarbaz.kz citing BBC.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, strikes targeted more than 20 positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The official statement from the ministry mentioned that the objective of the attacks was to "eliminate the threat posed by the PKK and other terrorist groups, prevent their incursions from Northern Iraq against Turkish civilians and security forces, and ensure border security."
On Sunday, two unidentified individuals carried out an explosion near the parliament building and the Ministry of Interior in Ankara. The Kurdistan Workers' Party claimed responsibility for the attack, attributing it to the "Immortal Battalion," a group previously involved in attacks in Istanbul in 2016.
Reportedly, one of the assailants threw an explosive device into the ministry building to divert the security, while the second attacker opened fire on the guards and then detonated himself, dying on the spot. The first attacker was shot by the police when attempting to infiltrate the ministry compound.
Two police officers were wounded during the exchange of fire. One of them sustained chest injuries, while the other was wounded in the legs and eyes. Turkey's Minister of Interior, Ali Erlikaya, emphasized on social media that the police would continue to combat terrorism until all threats are eliminated. It is worth noting that the explosion occurred just hours before the parliament's reopening following the summer recess.
According to Reuters reports, the attackers used a stolen vehicle from Kayseri and killed the driver.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has repeatedly carried out attacks in various regions of Turkey. The organization has been designated as a terrorist group both in Turkey and by the United States and the European Union, despite some politicians' claims that the PKK has recently abandoned violent methods.
Turkish authorities have pursued a strategy of strong opposition to Kurdish nationalists, conducting a series of military operations against Kurdish militants both within the country and in Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey strongly condemned the attack that occurred in the morning.
"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack against Turkey, our NATO ally. We express condolences to the victims and wish them a speedy recovery. We stand in solidarity with Turkey in its fight against terrorism."
Support and condemnation of the attack were also expressed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and European Union countries.
