The death toll from twin blasts in the Turkish capital Ankara on Saturday rose to 86, while 186 others were injured, the Turkish Health Ministry said.
The explosions hit a train station where several unions, civil society organizations and pro-Kurdish People’s Democracy Party were due to hold a rally, private Dogan news agency reported.
The rally aimed at protesting conflict between the state and Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey.
There were no claims of responsibility for the attack.
Witnesses said the first blast took place in front of a train station and the second occurred across the station.
Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan condemned the attack, which he said targeted the unity of the country.
Turkey is set to hold snap elections on Nov. 1 amid increased tension and polarization among major political parties that failed to form a coalition government in June elections.
Turkey resumed offensive against the outlawed Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) in late July after two policemen were killed by the terrorist group, apparently in retaliation for a suicide bombing in the Suruc district of southeastern province Sanliurfa on July 20, which killed 34 pro-Kurdish activists and was blamed on the Islamic State (IS).
Violence has since escalated sharply, with the PKK stepping up attacks on security forces. More than 100 members of Turkish security have been killed in clashes.
The PKK is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.
(Xinhua)
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