Car bomb in SE Turkey kills 2, wounds 15
10-year-old boy among victims of terror attack in Sanliurfa province
By Yasin Dikme and Ferdi Turkten
SANLIURFA, Turkey
A young boy was among two victims killed in a car bomb attack in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa, the governor said Friday.
The 11-year-old victim was killed in the explosion near a complex that houses judges and prosecutors in the Viransehir district, according to the governorate, and 15 others were injured.
Ahmet Oktay Gunak was identified as the victim. The young boy was feeding his cat in the garden of the housing complex at the time of the explosion.
His father Mustafa Gunak, who is working as court clerk, expressed his sadness to Anadolu Agency saying they have been living in the complex for 12 years.
The governorate announced that the other body of a neighborhood guard was later found in the debris following the blast that occurred at 8.45 p.m. local time (1745GMT).
Meanwhile, Sanliurfa governor Gungor Azim Tuna said on Saturday that the terrorist attack in Viransehir was carried out by the PKK terrorist organization and at least 26 suspects were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Tuna said a young male -- about 18-20 years of age -- parked the vehicle bomb near the housing complex.
“The terrorist attack was carried out by detonating the bomb-laden car via remote control. The housing complex was severely damaged,” Tuna said.
The governor added that he briefed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who expressed condolences for the victims, especially for the boy who was killed, as hoped for a quick recovery for the injured.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim condemned the attack and promised terrorists would be eradicated. "The terrorist organizations, which kill the innocence of children and intend to kill lives, will disappear with all their elements," he said.
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag also denounced the attack.
“This terrorist attack was carried out against not only the judiciary but also our law, our justice, our nation, and our unity. No terrorist organization or terrorist attack will deter Turkey’s fight against terror,” Bozdag wrote on Twitter.
In the past year, Turkey has suffered a number of attacks from terrorist groups. including Daesh and the PKK.
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