Afghanistan flays deadly blasts in Turkey

KABUL on Sunday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the terrorist attacks in the southern Rehyanli city of Turkey, killing 46 people and injuring 140 others.

“The Afghan government extends heartfelt condolences and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Turkey during this difficult hour, especially to the families of all those who so innocently lost their lives,” the foreign ministry said.

Praying for the swift recovery of the injured, the ministry hailed Turkey as a historic and steadfast ally and friend of Afghanistan over decades. “We stand firmly with the Turkish government and people.”

Bulent Arinc, the deputy prime minister of Turkey, said investigators had established links between an intelligence agency of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the deadly car bombs.

The interior ministry in Ankara accused pro-Syrian government groups of conducting Saturday’s blasts in a crowded area of the small border town in the province of Hatay.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry also condemned the bombings. Kerry said the US stood by its ally.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said Ban “condemns all acts of terrorism and reiterates that no cause or grievance ever justifies the targeting of civilians”.

pr/mud

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