Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. Namik Tan called a suicide bombing outside the U.S. embassy in Ankara Friday a “terrorist attack” and said “Turkey will stand resolute in its fight against terrorism both home and abroad, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Turkish officials cited press reports linking the suicide bomber to a member of a domestic left-wing terrorist group. The bomber and a Turkish security guard at the embassy were killed in the attack. Others were wounded. “The attack aimed to disturb Turkey’s ‘peace and prosperity’ and demonstrated a need for international cooperation against terrorism,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu added that Turkey will “spare no effort in protecting diplomatic families.”
Turkish national police are investigating the incident. In a statement, Turkey’s embassy in Washington said:
We have learned with deep sorrow that a terrorist attack was perpetrated today against the Embassy of the United States in Ankara.
We are deeply saddened that the attack resulted in the loss of life and injuries.
We strongly condemn this heinous and outrageous terrorist act. We convey our condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.
Turkey, as always, stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States against all forms of terror and will continue to cooperate in the joint fight against terrorism.
The Embassy will share all information that will become available on this attack perpetrated against the values that Turkey and the United States uphold together.
