Seoul – South Korea on Thursday strongly denounced an apparent terrorist bombing in the Turkish capital of Ankara, saying that terrorism can never be justified for any reason.
Cho June-hyuck, Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing in Seoul condemned the attack
“We cannot help but be shocked and concerned about the terrorist bombing in Ankara, and strongly condemn the heinous act of terrorism.
“Under our consistent position that terrorism can never be justified, our government supports the Turkish government’s efforts to root out terrorism and will continue to join related efforts by the international community,’’ he said.
June-hyuck said the ministry was trying to ascertain if there are any South Korean casualties in the Wednesday blast that Turkish authorities said left at least 28 people dead and more than 60 others injured.
He said South Korea has been contacting Turkish police to gain any information on potential South Korean injuries or fatalities.
“Telephone messages have been sent to South Korean residents or tourists to call for their caution while traveling in the country.
“We are currently trying to find any damage to South Korean nationals from the attack,’’ he said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560”]
Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Numan Kurtulmuş, said that the blast in a vehicle, which occurred in front of a Turkish air force command near the parliament at around 6:20 p.m.
He said the blast killed at least 28 people and wounded more than 60 others and the casualties were mostly military personnel.
No terrorist organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Last month, the Seoul government raised the travel alert level for Istanbul, Turkey, to “travel restraint” from “travel caution” following another suicide bombing in a popular mosque in the city.
Seoul has four alert levels which includes; travel caution, restraint, and recommendation for withdrawal and travel ban. (Yonhap/NAN)