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Bombing Rocks Turkish Capital

Ankara attack may prompt move against Kurdish militants on Iraqi border

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2007 7:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – An explosion shocked the Turkish capital yesterday, killing six and injuring at least 100 in a busy marketplace. The bombing comes at a delicate time for the country, the New York Times observes, as Parliament clash with the governing party over the place of Islam in the secular democracy.

Officials haven't blamed anyone in the blast, but suspicion is centered on Kurdish separatists. Last month a top general hinted that Turkey might move a force into Iraq to mop up Kurdish militants suspect of violating the border. And the general was quick to suggest a connection to the bombing: “You have to look at the institutions behind this terror organization,” he told the Times.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Police forensics and terrorism experts examine the site after a powerful explosion killed five people and injured 60 during a busy rush hour in the Turkish capital of Ankara during late Tuesday, May 22,... (Associated Press)

Police and investigators surround the area as rescuers work at the site after a powerful explosion killed five people and injured 60 in a busy downtown area in the Turkish capital of Ankara during rush... (Associated Press)

A man looks through a shattered window as people clean debris and prepare to restart their normal life a day after a powerful explosion killed six people and injured more than 100 during a busy rush hour... (Associated Press)

Photo of alleged suicide bomber G ven Akku%u015F (Anadolu Ajansi)

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Bombing kills five in Turkey (mushcul (YouTube))

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Bombing Rocks Turkish Capital