Blast in the Turkish capital
A powerful explosion occurred in the heart of Ankara on February 17, 2016. The attack was carried out by a vehicle packed with explosives. It targeted passing military buses. The death toll climbed to 28, with 61 more people wounded.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu attributed the attack to the People’s Protection Units (YPG), a group linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Turkish officials said the YPG worked alongside the PKK to plan the strike.
Russia’s response
Russia expressed sorrow over the attack. Its Foreign Ministry called for uniting nations to fight terrorism. The statement said the incident was “barbaric” and demanded accountability from those responsible.
Despite its condemnation, Russia has long supported PYD in Syria. The group is a Syrian affiliate of the PKK, which Turkey and others list as a terrorist organization. Russia provides weapons to PYD as part of its backing for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia also claimed to target Daesh in Syria. But its military aid to PYD suggests a broader strategy. The Russian position remains that its actions in Syria are a counterterrorism effort.