Explosion near Parliament in Ankara
In the morning, there was an explosion in the Turkish capital, Ankara. According to the Interior Minister, two attackers carried out a bombing near the Parliament and the Ministry of Interior. Both of them are now deceased.
There was a loud explosion in the heart of Ankara, according to Turkish media reports. The explosion, according to CNN Turk, was heard on Ismet Inonu Boulevard, where the Parliament building and the Ministry of Interior are located.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on the Twitter alternative X about a “bombing.” One of the two “terrorists” detonated himself, while the second one was killed. According to the Minister, the police prevented a second explosion.
The attack occurred at the entrance to the Ministry of Interior, said the Minister. Two police officers were slightly injured during the exchange of gunfire. Yerlikaya stated that they are now receiving medical treatment.
Turkish Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc, also referred to it as a “terrorist attack.” He wished the police officers a speedy recovery. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a judicial investigation. “Our fight against terrorism will continue even more resolutely, no one should doubt that,” Tunc wrote on X.
Barriers and Bomb Disposal Units
The two attackers drove a car in front of the Ministry of Interior and, armed with rifles, attempted to enter the ministry by bypassing the guards, reported the NTV channel, citing media reports. However, they failed in their attempt. One of them then detonated himself.
According to CNN Turk, numerous police officers, medical teams, and firefighters were dispatched to the area. Security forces have set up barriers in the area. According to a report in the Turkish newspaper “Hurriyet,” the entrance and exit of the Parliament building were temporarily blocked.
Television footage shown to the AP news agency depicted bomb disposal units working near a parked vehicle. According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, a news blackout was also imposed.
Controlled Explosions
According to police, bomb disposal teams of the Turkish police conducted controlled detonations. The police in the Turkish capital stated on X that there is no reason to panic. Incidents involving “suspicious packages” have been reported. NTV reported that the second attacker was also carrying explosives and was blown up in a controlled manner.
“With horror, we observe the news of the terrorist attack this morning in the heart of Ankara,” wrote the German Embassy in Ankara on X. The city center of Ankara should be avoided.
The Turkish Parliament was scheduled to reopen today after the summer recess with a ceremony.