PKK Suspected to be Responsible for the Ankara Attack

According to a news agency, the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is believed to be behind the recent attack in the Turkish capital, Ankara. Reports indicate that the group has claimed responsibility for the act. Following this development, Turkey carried out airstrikes on targets in northern Iraq.

The banned Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) has apparently acknowledged its responsibility for the attack in the Turkish capital, Ankara. This information was reported by the ANF news agency, which is known to have close political ties to the PKK. ANF quoted from an alleged confession letter by the HPG, the military wing of the PKK, stating that the “operation” went exactly as planned and was a response to Turkey’s actions in Kurdish regions.

During the incident, one of the attackers detonated explosives near the Ministry of Interior, while a second individual was reportedly shot by the police before being able to detonate his suicide vest, according to government statements. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the exchange of gunfire and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Turkish Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunç, wished the injured police officers a speedy recovery. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a judicial investigation. Tunç stated on X that “our fight against terrorism will continue even more determined, and no one should doubt that”.

Turkey Bombs Targets in Northern Iraq

A few hours after the attack, the Turkish Air Force claimed to have targeted locations in northern Iraq. According to the Ministry of Defense, a “significant number of terrorists were neutralized” during the operation. Around 20 targets associated with the PKK, including caves and rebel camps, were reportedly destroyed.

It is believed that the PKK’s headquarters are located in the Kandil Mountains of northern Iraq. The northern region of Iraq has long been a safe haven for PKK fighters.

Erdogan: “The Last Throes of Terror”

The attack in Ankara coincided with the opening of the new parliamentary term and occurred in close proximity to the legislature. In his opening speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the attacks as the “last throes of terror.” Erdogan stated according to the state news agency Anadolu that the “villains” did not achieve their objectives and never will.

One of the items on the parliamentary agenda was the vote on Sweden’s NATO accession, which has been blocked by Turkey for months. Ankara has been demanding a tougher stance from Sweden against the PKK, an organization listed as a terrorist group by the European Union.