Car bomb attack near university campus in Kayseri
At least 13 soldiers have been killed, 48 others have been injured after a car bomb targeted a public transportation bus near a university campus in central Turkish province of Kayseri, a statement by the Turkish military said on Saturday, a week after a deadly PKK-led terrorist attack killed 44 people in Istanbul.
The blast reportedly took place around 08:45 a.m. local time when a public transportation bus carrying civilians and off-duty soldiers was hit by a car-bomb, the military said.
The soldiers, consisting of low-ranking privates and non-commissioned officers were on leave from the commando headquarters in the city, it said in the statement.
"The wounded passengers have immediately been transported to nearby hospitals and are receiving treatment" the statement said.
The Turkish military condemned the brutal attack.
The blast took place in front the entrance of Erciyes University campus in Kayseri.
Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said the attack targeted the bus and resembled the terrorist attacks led by PKK-linked terrorists last week.
Hospital sources in Kayseri earlier confirmed that more than 25 people had been wounded and some killed in the blast.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) declared a temporary broadcast ban on the explosion to prevent the publication of things that may cause "fear in the public, panic and disorder and which may serve the aims of terrorist organizations."
Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar has informed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the blast in Kayseri province, while Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has reportedly cancelled his visit to Konya and is holding a security meeting.
General Akar also issued a statement condemning the attack, saying that the Turkish military will continue its anti-terror fight with determination until all terrorists are destroyed.
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım is expected to make a statement regarding the attack.
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has called PM Yıldırım to offer condolences regarding the blast, and condemned terrorism.
Last Saturday, two bombs exploded in a terrorist attack claimed by PKK/YPG suicide team, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), in Istanbul's Maçka Park on Saturday night, killing 44 people and wounding 155.
A day later, the terror attacks were claimed by PKK's suicide team TAK, which is described as a hardliner splinter group that claims PKK attacks targeting civilians in a public relations effort against American and European nations.
Source: Daily Sabah
