Turkish PM vows operations in response to every terror attack

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

AFP photo

Turkey has been facing a “conscious, malicious and planned” escalation of terrorist attacks since the June 7 election, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said, adding that the country would respond to each incident of terrorism. 

“If we will have one martyr, we will continue all operations on that organization that gave the order for the attack. They cannot dare test our patience and determination. We may lose one lionheart, but thousands of lions of Anatolia are on their feet,” he said. 

The Turkish military names its operations in Syria and Iraq after fallen soldiers. The military said it wrote the names of fallen security members on rockets fired on the night of July 29. 

A total of 657 terrorist acts have taken place in Turkey since the general election on June 7, Davutoğlu said, while addressing his Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers in parliament. 

At least 52 people, including 11 security personnel, were killed and 204 people, including 94 security officials, were injured, he said. 

“Three terrorist organizations Daesh, the PKK and the DHKP/C have started simultaneous attacks on Turkey,” he said, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C). 

The attacks are aimed at Turkey’s democracy, public safety and international reputation, he added.

“Although these terrorist organizations are feeding from various sources, they are subservient to centers of evil that are united around a shared goal,” Davutoğlu said.

The premier also slammed political parties, especially the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which allegedly ignored his call to sign a joint declaration against terrorism after the deadly suicide attack in the southern town of Suruç, which claimed the lives of 31 people and the attacker. 

“HDP avoided signing a joint declaration. Can we be sure that those who did not even condemn [the attacks] are fighting against terrorism?” Davutoğlu asked.

Referring to the HDP, he said: “Everyone must reveal their clear position. When they condemn the PKK terror as they condemn the Daesh terror, we can respond to their calls, and sit and talk.”

The PKK has stepped up its operations against the Turkish state in response to what it says is collusion between Ankara and ISIL, especially in the Suruç bombing, as well as the government’s policy of building military installations throughout Kurdish areas.

Davutoğlu added that the doors to cooperation would be open to whomever takes a clear position on terrorism.

The premier also thanked the countries and international cooperation who have supported Turkey and condemned the attacks on its soil.

More than 1,000 suspected ISIL, PKK and DHKP/C supporters have also been detained since July 24.