Turkish terror attack: 27 dead in town near Syria

Suruc, July 20: At least 27 people died and more than 100 injured in a suspected suicide attack in the Turkish town of Suruc. The blast occurred at the garden of city’s cultural centre. Hundreds of youth activists were also present. The attack was reportedly targeted at the members of Federation of Socialist Youth Associations (SGDF) who have been involved in carrying out relief operations in the Syrian town of Kobane.
Suruc is a border town located near Kobane. In recent months, the town has been flooded by refugees who have fled from Kobane amidst the conflict going on in the region between the Islamic State and Kurdish army. More than 20,000 Syrian refugees are housed in camps around Suruc. The Turkish Interior Minister has indicated that it was a suicide attack. It is believed that the notorious Islamic extremist group ISIS is responsible for the attack. However, officials have denied to confirm it. Eyewitnesses said those targeted were volunteers coming from Istanbul and heading to the Syrian city of Kobane for relief work. The Federation of Socialist Youth Associations is reported to have had at least 300 members staying at the Amara Culture Centre to take part in rebuilding work in Kobane.