Bombings in Ankara, Turkey

Yahoo News just recently reported that two bombs went off in the Turkish capital Ankara on Saturday, October 10th, 2015. According to the report, many were gathered for a peace rally, as fighting between the government and Kurdish rebels has intensified in recent months. According to the report, it is said that over 30 persons were killed, and 126 injured. Authorities do not know who is yet responsible for these attacks.

This is the second major terror attack within Turkey’s borders in recent months. In late July, there was an attack on Suruc, which is a southern Turkish town that is on the border with Syria.

It was said that a number of the people in attendance were supporters of the HDP, a recently formed political party in Turkey that has received support of many Kurds, as well as minorities in the country.

This is a very sad development in Turkey, where there is increase tension between the Turkish government and groups in the south looking to destabilize Turkey. One can imagine that the Turkish government’s response will be forceful, if the prior attack was any indication of their post-terror response. Turkey, while it has seen some terror attack by leftist groups in the country in years past, has now had to deal with two recent attacks that have killed scores of citizens. From an international relations perspective, one will have to see what the government’s response will be both domestically with regards to anti-terrorism measures, and with relation to their approach and position towards areas such as Syria. It will be important to follow events in Turkey as they unfold. And in the meantime, one feels a great deal of sadness for the victims and their families and loved ones.