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U.S. strongly denounces terror attacks in Turkey, expresses support

Xinhua, August 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United States on Thursday condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attacks in southeastern Turkey, and expressed support to the NATO ally.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Ned Price, spokesperson for White House's National Security Council said in a statement.

Five soldiers were killed and six others injured Thursday by a roadside bomb believed to be planted by outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) militants in Turkey's eastern Bitlis province, Dogan News Agency reported.

The bombing followed another blast late Wednesday, also blamed on the PKK, in Turkey's eastern province of Van, which injured at least 73 people, including 20 police.

The U.S. remains steadfast in its support for Turkey, a NATO ally and partner, which continues to be afflicted by terrorist attacks that indiscriminately kill and wound both security personnel and civilians, Price said.

"We are in close touch with Turkish authorities and will continue to work together with Turkey to confront the threats we face from terrorist groups," the spokesperson added.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Ankara next week to reaffirm U.S. commitment to Turkey's security and democracy, as the failed coup attempt last month in Turkey has left relations between Washington and Ankara in a state of uncertainty.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blamed the followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania, the United States, for the coup attempt and demanded his extradition.

The U.S. has insisted that the cleric would only be extradited as a result of a legal process according to the relevant laws and treaties. Enditem