Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Turkey: Suruc Suicide Bombing Suspect Identified

Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu, speaking near the scene of the  bomb blast in Suruc near the Syrian border, where 32 young activists were killed said that a suspect has been identified. 

According to the minister, the suspect's international and domestic links were being investigated.He said there was a "high probability" the Islamic State group was to blame.The government has now vowed to increase security at the Syrian border.


"What's necessary will be done against whomever is responsible," said Mr Davutoglu. "This is an attack that targeted Turkey."He rejected claims that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had not done enough to combat IS militants, saying the government had "never tolerated any terrorist group".

A cabinet meeting on Wednesday was due to examine additional security measures along the border with Syria.IS militants have not responded to claims that they were behind the bombing.Officials initially suggested the bomber might have been female, but Turkish media outlets have subsequently named a man in connection with the attack.

The youth activists, who were mainly university students, were holding a news conference when the bomb ripped through the Amara Cultural Centre on Monday afternoon.They had been planning to travel to Syria to help rebuild the town of Kobane.

Social media images showed the group, who were members of the Federation of Socialist Youth Associations, relaxing over breakfast a few hours before the blast.The funerals of many of the victims have already taken place, including a mass ceremony for 25 of those who died.Mr Davutoglu said 29 of the 100 people who were injured were still being treated in hospital.

BBC