PKK attack sparks Turkey's cleanup efforts

The PKK has claimed responsibility for Sunday morning's terrorist attack outside Turkey's Interior Ministry in Ankara, resulting in the deaths of two assailants and injuries to two police officers. At approximately 9:30 AM, the two terrorists arrived in a light vehicle at the entrance gate of the Interior Ministry's General Directorate of Security and launched their attack.

One of the attackers was carrying explosives and attempted to enter the building, while the other tried to fire a rocket. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that one terrorist detonated explosives, while the other was "neutralized" with a gunshot to the head. The Turkish Interior Ministry has linked one of the assailants to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The group claiming responsibility for the attack is identified as The "Battalion" or "Immortals Brigade," and they commandeered a vehicle after killing its owner.

In response to the attack, the Turkish Armed Forces initiated airstrikes against Kurdish targets in northern Iraq on Monday.

Here's a tweet showing a video of previous attack:

BREAKING:

Terror attack against the Turkish Ministry of Interior in Ankara.

The attackers used automatic rifles and suicide vests.

pic.twitter.com/TLArhu5rsT

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 1, 2023

President Erdogan, in his address to Parliament, emphasized the ongoing strategy to secure a 30-kilometer security zone along Turkey's southern border and monitor activities beyond that boundary. Erdogan hinted at the possibility of taking unforeseen actions when necessary.

The attack's repercussions may extend to Sweden's NATO accession process. Analysts speculate that the strike might hinder Sweden's NATO membership progress, as Turkey has previously delayed approval by Parliament, citing concerns about Sweden's harboring of PKK members.

The recent terrorist attack could escalate tensions, potentially leading to further Turkish demands and objections regarding Sweden's NATO membership, ultimately prolonging the approval process.

Amidst these developments, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the European Union (E.E.) in his parliamentary address, stating that Turkey had upheld its promises to the EU, while the EU had not reciprocated in kind.

Erdogan also expressed a lack of tolerance for new demands or conditions in Turkey's accession process and signaled a reluctance to adhere to rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, asserting that the organization was often associated with terrorists.