In the wake of the deadly blast in Ankara, officials confirmed that one of the assailants was linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, commonly known as PKK. The disclosure came during routine information briefings to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with state authorities expressing the intent to establish the full identity of all involved. The reporting outlet TASS noted the same development, underscoring the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to verify every connection in what authorities described as a serious security incident. (Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs; corroborating report: TASS)
During investigative proceedings, investigators indicated that the suspect’s ties to the PKK had been established beyond reasonable doubt. The authorities stated that the individual belonged to the separatist organization, which Ankara has long placed under prohibition. The update signaled a broader effort to map out the attackers’ networks and any potential coordination with other actors that might have contributed to the incident. (Official briefing — Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Officials also announced efforts to identify a second assailant involved in the same attack, underscoring the complexity of the case and the challenge of gathering evidence in the early stages of an investigation. The pursuit of this lead was described as a priority to prevent any further threats and to ensure a full understanding of the assault method and the attackers’ objective. (Investigation update — Ministry of Internal Affairs)
On 1 October, near the Ministry of Internal Affairs building in Ankara, a terrorist attack occurred that left two police officers injured. The sequence involved an explosive device detonating after a volley of shots, followed by the second attacker being neutralized and the first attacker reportedly detonating a suicide device or otherwise causing a large explosion. Security services noted that a substantial number of rounds were fired prior to the blast, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation and the challenge faced by frontline responders who acted to shield civilians. (Incident report and现场 observations — Ministry of Internal Affairs follow-up)
The incident occurred in a neighborhood where the Parliament complex is situated, and it coincided with a period when MPs were convening their first session after the summer recess. The proximity to the parliamentary site amplified concerns about public safety and the potential repercussions for national governance, prompting authorities to intensify protective measures around government facilities and public spaces. (Public safety briefing and parliamentary context — Ministry of Internal Affairs)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the morning attack in central Ankara as an attempt by terrorists to unleash fear across the country, calling it a desperate act that would not deter the government from pursuing security and unity. The president’s remarks framed the event as part of a broader pattern of threats aimed at destabilizing the nation, and he reaffirmed commitments to counterterrorism efforts and to uphold constitutional order. (Presidential remarks — official communications)
Previously, Turkish authorities had designated the PKK as a banned organization, and the group has repeatedly claimed responsibility or been accused of involvement in attacks targeting Turkish security forces and officials. In the Ankara episode, such claims or attributions were treated as part of a wider pattern in which various groups seek to exploit political and social tensions to advance agendas that conflict with national security interests. (Background briefings — security agencies; historical context — official statements)