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Turkish PM says Syrian national linked to Turkish militants behind Ankara attack

Xinhua, February 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

A Syrian national with links to the People's Protection Units (YPG) of Syrian Kurds was identified as the perpetrator of Wednesday's Ankara car bomb attack, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Thursday.

The bomber, Salih Necer, was born in Amuda province, in northern Syria, in 1992 and had ties with the YPG, Davutoglu said.

Necer, who killed at least 28 and injured 61 others, received logistical support from the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in Turkey, the prime minister told reporters in Ankara.

"A direct link between the attack and the YPG has been confirmed," he said, adding that nine other suspects were detained as part of the investigation.

Turkey said it would share evidence with other countries about where the militants originated from and how they organized the attack.

Supporting "Turkey's enemies whether directly or indirectly" risks those countries' status as friendly nations, Davutoglu said without referring to any specific states.

Late Wednesday, Turkey conducted airstrikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq, shortly after the Ankara suicide bombing.

The PKK resumed its violent offensive against the Turkish government following the collapse of the peace process last summer.

Turkish security forces launched military operations against PKK militants in southeastern Turkey last December. Endit