Turkey declares a 3-day national mourning after Ankara blasts

(VOVworld) – At least 95 people have been killed and around 250 wounded in the deadliest terror attack in Turkey’s history after two explosions targeted a peace rally in the centre of capital Ankara. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called emergency meetings with government officials and security chiefs following the incident, urging people to stay united in this difficult time. He condemned those behind the terrorist attacks aimed at damaging Turkey’s security and stability, and causing divisions among Turkish political factions. The Turkish government has declared a 3-day national mourning to commemorate those killed in the bomb blasts.

Turkey declares a 3-day national mourning after Ankara blasts - ảnh 1
Emergency services personnel prepare to transport the bodies of victims away from the site of twin explosions at the main train station in Turkey's capital Ankara, on Oct 10, 2015. Photo: AFP/Adem Altan

The international community strongly denounced the attacks. German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her disappointment with the attacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday urged the international community to unite anti-terrorism efforts as he expressed condolences to families of victims from the deadly terrorist attack in Ankara. Putin said in an interview with TV channel Rossiya One that what happened in Turkey is an impudent terrorist attack, and Russia is ready to cooperate with Turkey to fight with terrorist threats.

US President Barrack Obama has offered condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and affirmed that the US will stand with Turkey and its people in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges in the region. Thousands of people took to the streets in several European countries and in Istanbul, to condemn the attacks. 

Two powerful bombs exploded at a peace rally near the main train station in Ankara on Saturday morning. The explosions happened during a peace march involving, among others, the pro-Kurdish HDP, or People's Democratic Party. Most of the victims were attending a lunchtime demonstration calling for an end to the renewed conflict between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish government.

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