US reaffirms support to Turkey in combatting terrorism

The US today reaffirmed its strong support to NATO ally Turkey in combatting the "shared threat" of terrorism, saying the militant attack on the country that killed at least 34 people is a heinous crime and has no justification.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey, which has taken innocent lives and injured scores," said Ned Price, Spokesman of the National Security Council, White House.
A suicide car bomb ripped yesterday through a busy square in central Ankara, killing at least 34 people and wounding 125, officials have said, the latest in a spate of deadly attacks to hit Turkey.

The blast at a bus stop near Kizilay square is the second major attack in the heart of the Turkish capital in less than a month, after a suicide car bombing on February 17 targeting the military that killed 29 people.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those killed and injured as well as to their loved ones," he said, adding that this horrific act is only the most recent of many terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Turkish people.
"The United States stands together with Turkey, a NATO Ally and valued partner, as we confront the scourge of terrorism," Price said.

Strongly condemning the terrorist attack in the Kizilay district of Ankara, Turkey, the State Department Spokesman John Kirby reaffirmed America's strong partnership with its NATO Ally Turkey in combatting the shared threat of terrorism.

"There can be no justification for such heinous acts of violence. All NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Turkey, resolute in our determination to fight terrorism in all its forms," said the NATO Secretary General in a statement.
In another statement, US Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara.
"The United Nations continues to support and stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of Turkey at this trying time," according to a UN statement.