Suicide bomber was member of outlawed leftist group - Erdoğan

The suicide bomber who killed one person and wounded another yesterday in an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara was a member of an outlawed leftist group, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, Hurriyet Daily News informs.

Erdoğan’s statement confirmed reports claiming the attacker was a 30-year-old member of the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C). The suspect, identified as Ecevit Şanlı, has previously spent time in prison, according to reports.

“The suicide bomber detonated the bomb right after crossing [the personnel entry] and died in the explosion. A birthmark on his head proves [his identity], but DNA tests will be carried out to make sure. It is clear that he was a member of the DHKP/C. He has perpetrated such attacks before,” he said, during a live TV interview on private broadcaster Haberturk.

Erdoğan also played down claims that the attack might be related to Turkey’s position on the Syria crisis. “I'm not reaching this conclusion. You know that the DHKP/C made some other attempts lately, but Turkey is taking steps against terrorism as well,” Erdoğan said, highlighting the recent police raids against lawyers and alleged members of the leftist group.