Powerful blasts rock Ankara peace rally, at least 20 killed

Powerful blasts rock Ankara peace rally, at least 20 killed - media

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Dozens of people have been killed and injured in two powerful blasts at a road junction in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The explosion was a terrorist attack carried, Turkish government officials say, claims of a suicide bombing are being investigated.

According to local media, the explosion took place near Ankara Central railway station, the busiest in Turkey, which serves 181 trains daily. Several ambulances have been reportedly seen at the scene.

More than 20 people were reportedly killed in the explosions, Dogan News said, citing police and medics.

A Reuters reporter witnessed at least 15 bodies, as well as blood and body parts scattered near the scene of the tragedy.

The total casualties, including dead and injured, are reportedly numbered at over 50, with the number possibly rising.

The explosions occurred at a rally dubbed “Labor, Peace, Democracy” that kicked off at 10:00 local time (0700 GMT). Turkey's largest trade unions were planning to get together for a demonstration to protest the Turkish government’s renewed military campaign against Kurdish rebels.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is to hold meeting with security officials following the tragedy, his office said.

In July at least 30 people were killed and over 100 injured in an explosion that struck a cultural center in the town of Suruc, southeast Turkey, near the Syrian border, in what the authorities called a “terrorist attack.”

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