Suspected terror attack in Turkey as bomb explodes near government building in Ankara

Turkey Explosion

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A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the heart of the Turkish capital Ankara just hours before parliament was set to re-open after summer recess, the interior minister said.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said a second assailant was killed in a shootout with police after both suspects arrived near the entrance to the Ministry of Interior Affairs in a commercial vehicle.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Yerlikaya also said two police officers were injured during the attack. It occured just before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was set to deliver an address to parliament.

There was no immediate information on the assailants. Kurdish and far-left militant groups as well as the Islamic State group have carried out deadly attacks throughout the country in the past.

Television footage showed bomb squads working near a parked vehicle in the area which is located near the Turkish Grand National Assembly and other government buildings.

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Meanwhile, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said an investigation has been launched into the “terror attack.” “These attacks will in no way hinder Turkey’s fight against terrorism. Our fight against terrorism will continue with more determination,” he said.

Police cordoned off access to the city center and increased security measures, warning citizens that they would be conducting controlled explosions of suspicious packages.

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