Turkey PM says suspect identified over suicide bombing

AFP , Tuesday 21 Jul 2015

Ahmed Davutoglu
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu (Photo: Reuters)

Turkish authorities have identified a suspect over the suicide bombing close to Turkey's border with Syria that left 32 activists dead, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Tuesday.

"One suspect has been identified. All the (suspect's) links internationally and domestically are being investigated," he said in televised comments.

He added there was a "high probability" the attack was caused by a suicide bomber with connections to Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

"We expect this investigation to be concluded as soon as possible," Davutoglu added.

Davutoglu said that the death toll had risen to 32 from 31 and added that 29 victims were still hospitalised.

"What's necessary will be done against whomever responsible for (the attack)," said Davutoglu. "Nobody should ever doubt this."

"This is an attack that targeted Turkey," he added.

Davutoglu meanwhile said a cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday would look at additional security measures for Turkey's border with Syria.

"We will also discuss an action plan about additional security measures to be taken on our border at the cabinet meeting and will take necessary measures."

He vehemently denied suggestions from some commentators that Turkey and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had encouraged IS jihadists in the past.

"Turkey and AK Party governments have never had any direct or indirect connection with any terrorist organisation and never tolerated any terrorist group," he said.

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