U.S. strongly condemns terrorist attack in Turkey

The White House on Saturday condemned the "horrific terrorist" attack in the Turkish capital Ankara, which killed at least 86 people.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's horrific attack in Ankara," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. "The fact that this attack occurred ahead of a planned rally for peace underscores the depravity of those behind it and serves as another reminder of the need to confront shared security challenges in the region."

The twin explosions hit a train station where several unions, civil society organizations and pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party were due to hold a rally, the private Dogan news agency reported.

The rally aimed at protesting conflict between the state and Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey.

There were no claims of responsibility for the attack thus far.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the families and other loved ones of the victims, just as our thoughts remain with those injured in this senseless violence," Price said. "The United States will continue to stand side-by-side with the Turkish government and people as together we take on the scourge of terrorism." Endit