Ankara, Oct 1 – Two attackers in the Turkish capital detonated a bomb outside government buildings on Sunday, resulting in the death of both assailants and injury to two police officers. The incident, which was described as the first terrorist attack in Ankara in years, occurred in a central district near ministerial buildings and the parliament. CCTV footage showed a vehicle pulling up to the Interior Ministry’s main gate, with one of the occupants walking towards the building before being engulfed in an explosion, while the other remained on the street. The interior minister confirmed that one terrorist was killed during the blast, while the authorities neutralized the other.

President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the attack in a speech during the opening of a new parliamentary session hours later. He deemed it as the latest attempt to terrorize the Turkish people but assured that those who threaten the peace and security of citizens would not achieve their goals. This incident marks the first bombing on Ataturk Boulevard since 2016 when a series of deadly attacks plagued the nation. A senior Turkish official revealed that the attackers had hijacked the vehicle involved in the attack after killing its driver in Kayseri, a city located 261 kilometers southeast of Ankara. One of the injured police officers suffered shrapnel injuries.

The interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, provided further details of the attack on social media, stating that the two terrorists arrived at the General Directorate of Security in a light commercial vehicle and carried out the bomb attack. Law enforcement officers conducted controlled explosions in other areas of Ankara due to suspicious package incidents. At present, no specific militant group has been identified.

Turkey has previously experienced a wave of attacks between 2015 and 2016, attributed to Kurdish militants, the Islamic State, and other groups. The capital was struck by a deadly bombing in March 2016 when a car laden with explosives detonated at a busy transport hub, claiming the lives of 37 people. In response to the recent attack, Ankara’s chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into what is classified as a terrorist attack.

As parliament convenes in Turkey, it is expected to consider Sweden’s bid to join NATO in the coming weeks. President Erdogan did not mention Sweden or NATO in his address, but he emphasized the priority of agreeing on a new constitution during the new session. European Council President Charles Michel condemned the attack, while EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi expressed support for Turkey in its fight against terrorism.

In summary, two attackers detonated a bomb in front of Turkish government buildings in Ankara, resulting in their own deaths and the injury of two police officers. This incident marks the first terrorist attack in the capital in years. Investigations are ongoing, and the parliament session continues with potential consideration of Sweden’s NATO membership. President Erdogan condemned the attack and stressed the importance of a new constitution during his address. The European Union has expressed condemnation and support for Turkey in its fight against terrorism.