ANKARA
The chorus of condemnation over last night’s deadly bomb attack in central Ankara has grown, with the U.S., the United Nations, Canada and Gulf states – among others – lending their voices to the stand against terrorism.
At least 37 people were killed after a car bomb exploded in Ankara's central Kizilay neighborhood at 6.45 p.m. local time (1645 GMT) Sunday evening.
North America
The White House released a statement strongly condemning the terror attack:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those killed and injured as well as to their loved ones. This horrific act is only the most recent of many terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Turkish people,” the statement said.
“The United States stands together with Turkey, a NATO ally and valued partner, as we confront the scourge of terrorism.”
U.S. ambassador in Ankara John Bass tweeted: "Deeply saddened and horrified by attack in Ankara. We extend our deepest condolences to victims and their families".
Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Canada is appalled by this latest, senseless attack in Ankara. Our thoughts are with our friend and ally Turkey.”
The UN said: “The Secretary-General [Ban Ki-moon] sends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United Nations continues to support and stand in solidarity with the people and the government of Turkey at this trying time.”
The Pentagon also condemned the heinous attack and vowed further cooperation with Turkey in the fight against terrorism.
“We do strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack on Ankara," a Pentagon spokesman, Jeff Davis, said. "It is only one of the most recent numerous attacks perpetuated against the Turkish people."
Europe
Spain condemned the bomb attack in a statement while Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi sent his condolences to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, denouncing the “terrifying” terror attack.
Separately, Estonia, Sweden and Lithuania immediately sent their condolences to the Turkish nation and the terror attack victims’ families.
Middle East
Saudi Arabia's King Salman condemned the bombing and extended his condolences to the Turkish people and Erdogan, reported state-run Saudi news agency SPA.
“Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, the second deputy premier and minister of defense, has sent a cable of condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey on the victims of the terrorist attack that took place in Ankara,” it said
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari condemned the Ankara terrorist attack. Ansari sent his condolences to the Turkish government and people on the “fatal terrorist attack and voiced sympathy with the families of victims”.
“The unbroken chain of terrorist operations in various parts of the world and the region gives momentum to the need for an orchestrated and unified move to confront terrorism and extremism which pose common threats to the international community,” he said.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry and Mohammad al-Momani, minister of state for media affairs of Jordan, also condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara.
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah sent his condolences to President Erdogan over the powerful bomb blast in Ankara. According to the Kuwait official news agency KUNA, the emir “strongly” condemned the terrorist attack.
South East Asia
South Korea's Foreign Ministry also expressed "shock and concern" at the latest attack and offered its condolences to the victims' families and the Turkish people.
"Our government ... strongly condemns this terrorist act," it said in a statement.
"Our government, under the firm and consistent view that terrorism cannot be justified for any reason, supports the Turkish government's efforts to eradicate terrorism and will continue to join the international community's efforts to fight terrorism."
In a social media post, Philippine ambassador to Turkey, Maria Rowena M. Sanchez, wrote: "May the perpetrators receive swift justice for their contemptible acts. May peace reign in this beautiful country".
South Asia
Pakistan, a close ally of Turkey also condemned "the heinous act of terrorism in the strongest term."
Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement said: "We offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and to the brotherly people and government of Turkey. We also pray for the speediest and fullest recovery of those wounded.
“We also reiterate our belief that the fraternal people of Turkey would decisively defeat the scourge of terrorism with their characteristic strong will and determination."
Africa
President of Senegal Macky Sall extended his condolences to Turkey’s President Erdogan over the deadly Ankara terror attack.
According to his message, he is very sad for innocent people who were affected by the Ankara car bomb.
“We stand by our brother country of Turkey,” he said.
Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
The government of Somalia sent a message of condolence to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Mohammed Abdi, minister of information, culture and tourism of Somalia, expressed “deep sorrow of the people and government of Somalia over the death and injury caused by the bomb blast.”
President of Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government Masoud Barzani released a statement and condemned the bloody car bomb attack.
“We strongly condemn this inhuman terrorist act,” Barzani said.
