Turkey: Gunman injures nine people in Ankara September 10

Event

According to local media, a gunman opened fire on a group of people sitting on a sidewalk in Ankara’s Şenlik neighborhood on the evening of Sunday, September 10, injuring nine people. A search operation is currently underway to find the attacker; associated security measures may be implemented across the city (road closures, etc.). The incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

Context

The security situation in Turkey remains precarious due to a resurgence of violence in recent years notably in the south and southeastern provinces of the country. A state of emergency has been effect since July 20, 2016, following an attempted coup d'état by members of the armed forces.

Turkey has suffered a number of terrorist attacks since the country's intervention began in northern Syria against the Islamic State. On January 1, an IS militant launched at attack on a nightclub in Istanbul, killing 39 people and injuring 69 others.

Moreover, since 2015, clashes between Kurdish militants, notably the PKK, and government security forces have increased after a ceasefire fell apart. The PKK, formed in the late 1970s, has waged a three decade insurgency calling for an independent Kurdish state within Turkey. It is regarded as a terrorist organization by the EU, Turkey, and the US.

Advice

Individuals in Ankara are advised to remain vigilant, to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior.