Ankara: Ankara, the capital of Turkey, was thrown into turmoil on Sunday when an explosion and subsequent shootout occurred near the Turkish interior ministry building.
A suicide bomber triggered an explosive device near the Turkish interior ministry building in Ankara, while another attacker was fatally shot in a confrontation with the police, as reported by the Turkish interior ministry.”
Two police officers slightly injured in terrorist attack in front of General Directorate of Security in Ankara, says Turkish Interior Minister Yerlikaya. Rupert Stone reports pic.twitter.com/GWtXhxUbbK
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 1, 2023
BREAKING — An explosion and gun fire heard in Turkey’s capital Ankara around 09:00 Hrs in the morning, near the parliament and the ministries.
Turkish Parliament opens today after summer recess.
#Ankara #Turkey pic.twitter.com/6GXaHNyVwJ— Asia News (@asianewsteam) October 1, 2023
The incident unfolded just hours before the scheduled opening of a new parliamentary session, prompting immediate concerns about security in the region. The Turkish interior ministry swiftly labeled the blast as a ‘terrorist attack.’
According to official statements from the ministry, the attack began when two individuals, described as ‘terrorists,’ arrived at the scene in a light military vehicle at approximately 9:30 am local time (0630 GMT). Their target was the entrance gate of the General Directorate of Security of the Ministry of the Interior. One of the attackers detonated an explosive device, leading to a powerful explosion, while the other engaged in a shootout with police.
An explosion was heard on Sunday in Turkey's capital Ankara near the parliament and ministerial buildings, Turkish media reported#explosion #Turkey #Ankara pic.twitter.com/CIZoPl6vRp
— IPNA (@irannewsvideo) October 1, 2023
As news of the incident spread, Turkish media outlets reported that gunfire was also heard in the vicinity, compounding the gravity of the situation. In response, emergency services rapidly mobilized to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance as required.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Ankara and the broader region, prompting authorities to launch investigations aimed at determining the motives behind the attack, identifying the perpetrators, and taking necessary measures to prevent further threats. As the situation continues to develop, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Turkish security forces in maintaining peace and security within the country’s borders.
#BREAKING: Two terrorists carry out attack in front of General Directorate of Security in Turkish capital of Ankara, one neutralised, other blows himself – Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya pic.twitter.com/Jx45Y0ZJ0z
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 1, 2023
In a subsequent update, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that two police officers sustained minor injuries in the incident, further highlighting the security risks associated with such acts of violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect the safety and well-being of citizens and government institutions.