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Turkey explosion: Ankara car bomb kills at least 27 | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A car bomb has exploded in the Turkish capital Ankara, killing 27 people and wounding another 75, the city governor's office has said. | |
The explosion happened in Guvenpark in the Kizilay district, a key transport hub and commercial area. | |
Several vehicles at the scene were reduced to burned-out wrecks, including at least one bus. | |
Last month, a bomb attack on a military convoy in Ankara killed 28 people and wounded dozens more. | Last month, a bomb attack on a military convoy in Ankara killed 28 people and wounded dozens more. |
The Hurriyet newspaper said the latest blast happened at about 18:40 (16:40 GMT) and the area was evacuated in case of a second attack. Many ambulances were at the scene, it added. | |
No group has yet claimed the attack. However, a security official told Reuters news agency that initial findings suggested it was the work of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) or an affiliated group. | |
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was reported to be convening an emergency security meeting. | |
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in Istanbul, was briefed on the attack by the interior minister, Hurriyet reported. Mr Erdogan was expected to return to Ankara later. | |
"According to initial reports, 27 of our citizens were killed in a blast caused by a bomb-laden car at Kizilay's Guvenpark," the governor's statement said. | |
It added that 23 people had died at the scene while four others died on their way to hospital. | |
The BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul says three attacks in the Turkish capital in less than six months show the multiple security threats that Turkey now faces. | The BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul says three attacks in the Turkish capital in less than six months show the multiple security threats that Turkey now faces. |
The country that was the stable corner of the Middle East and the West's crucial ally in a volatile region is now at a dangerous moment, he adds. | The country that was the stable corner of the Middle East and the West's crucial ally in a volatile region is now at a dangerous moment, he adds. |
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the US embassy in Ankara warned its citizens on 11 March of a "potential terrorist plot" in the city. | |
Last month's bombing was claimed by a Kurdish militant group, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK). It said on its website that the attack was in retaliation for the policies of President Erdogan. | |
Turkey, however, blamed a Syrian national who was a member of another Kurdish group. | Turkey, however, blamed a Syrian national who was a member of another Kurdish group. |
Last October, more than 100 people were killed in a double-suicide bombing at a Kurdish peace rally in Ankara. | Last October, more than 100 people were killed in a double-suicide bombing at a Kurdish peace rally in Ankara. |
Are you in the Kizilay district in Ankara? Did you witness what happened? If it is safe to do so please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Are you in the Kizilay district in Ankara? Did you witness what happened? If it is safe to do so please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |