Democrats will be known for Iraq surrender; Time now for homeland defense
IDEF-2007 MARRED BY BOMBING
ANKARA — Turkey's most important defense exhibition has been marred
by a suicide bombing that killed six people.
Hours after the launch of IDEF-2007 a bomb ripped through downtown
Ankara. At least six people were killed and more than 70 were injured,
including foreign delegates sent to IDEF.
The casualties and injuries included members of the Pakistani delegation
to IDEF. At least eight members of the Pakistani delegation were injured in
the suicide bombing on late May 22.
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"Unfortunately, four of our citizens and one Pakistani national were
killed," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said.
The Kurdish Workers Party has been blamed for the suicide attack. The
group has denied involvement, but on Thursday authorities announced the
arrest of seven PKK suspects.
"The type of the explosives and equipment used is similar to those used
by the separatist group," Ankara Gov. Kemal Onal said.
Officials said the Pakistani delegates had arrived for a reception for
IDEF participants at Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The bomb
exploded about 100 meters from the museum, and shortly before senior Turkish
military commanders, including Chief of Staff Gen. Yassar Buyukanit, were
scheduled to arrive at the reception.
Organizers said the bombing has not disrupted the biannual exhibition,
attended by 48 countries. They reported record participation at IDEF amid
international interest in Turkey's multi-billion dollar military procurement
program.
