UPDATES WITH PAKISTAN EMBASSY STATEMENT
By Zafer Akpinar
BURSA, Turkey (AA) – A total of 15 suspects were detained as part of nationwide police operation after a deadly blast in Turkey’s northwest, Interior Minister Efkan Ala said.
The detentions came a day after a suicide attack at the entrance of a historic bazaar in Bursa in northwestern Turkey that killed one person.
“There are strong signs of an organization. […] There are findings. When the organization is finalized, I will explain, 15 people are under detention. I cannot say the provinces at the moment,” Efkan Ala told reporters in Ankara ahead of a meeting.
Earlier, local police sources said 12 suspects were detained in operation in Bursa, Istanbul, western Afyonkarahisar and southeastern Sanliurfa provinces.
– Pakistan condemns attack
Pakistan also condemned the suicide attack. According to a statement issued by the Pakistani embassy in Ankara, Pakistan hoped the injured would make a quick recovery.
“Pakistan strongly condemns this terrorist attack, and Pakistan also condemns every act of terrorism,” it said.
Pakistan also expressed solidarity with the Turkish government and nation. “We want to stress again that brother Turkish nation’s characteristic determination will defeat terrorism,” it added.
The suicide blast injured 20 people at the entrance of a historic bazaar in Bursa, Turkey’s fourth-largest city, on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bursa Governor’s Office said on Wednesday that a female suicide bomber was involved in the attack.
*Anadolu Agency Correspondents Emin Avundukluoglu and Servet Gunerigok contributed to this report from Ankara.
