Georgia saddened by terrorist attack in Turkey
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, March 15
Georgian officials have strongly condemned a recent terrorist act in Ankara, claiming at least 36 lives.
A suspected bomber, who also died in the blast, was a female member of the Kurdistan’s Worker’s Party (PKK), sources said, BBC reports.
No group has admitted carrying out the attack in the capital, but government sources have cast suspicion on the PKK.
Turkish officials have stated that they will “bring terrorists to their knees”.
No Georgians were reported as being amongst the victims.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili said in a statement: "I’m shocked by another terrorist attack in Ankara, which killed innocent people and wounded many others.
"Georgia strongly condemns terrorism and stands by its Turkish friends. I share the sorrow of the families of those killed.”
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili commented on the attack and said he was extremely saddened by what happened.
"I’m deeply saddened because due to the Ankara explosion that claimed the lives of innocent people. I want the Turkish people to know that the Georgian people are with you during this time of sorrow.”
For those needing any help either in Ankara, in Turkey or elsewhere, the Georgian Embassy is operating a hotline on +905336903040.
Kurdish rebels have allegedly carried out a series of attacks on Turkish soil in recent months, and security forces have raided Kurdish areas after a ceasefire ended last year. The so-called Islamic State group has also recently targeted Ankara.
Turkey is part of the US-led coalition against IS and allows coalition planes to use its air base at Incirlik for strikes in Iraq and Syria.
It has also been carrying out a campaign of bombardment against Syrian Kurdish fighters of the People's Protection Units (YPG), which it regards as a extension of the PKK, the BBC reported.
