ADDS CONDEMNATION FROM ARAB COUNTRIES
By Seda Sevencan and Necva Tastan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's justice minister said Tuesday that 34 people have been detained following an attempted terrorist attack outside a courthouse in Istanbul and the two perpetrators have been killed.
"Today, once again, treacherous terrorists aiming to carry out their vile intentions were neutralized by our heroic police as they attempted to enter through the door," Yilmaz Tunc said in a statement.
Tunc said the two shooters clashed with police at Gate C of the Caglayan Courthouse, resulting in both being killed.
"Four members of the public were wounded. Unfortunately, one of them passed away at the hospital," he added.
He underscored the government’s "unwavering commitment to combatting all forms of terrorism."
A deputy chief prosecutor and five republican prosecutors have been assigned to the investigation, he said.
“Meticulous investigations" are ongoing into the criminal records of the two slain terrorists, he added.
"The male terrorist who was neutralized had a criminal record related to his membership in an armed terrorist organization in 2004 and served 15 years in prison. The female terrorist also had an ongoing case related to terrorist group membership pending in the Court of Cassation. She had been detained for four years and two months in relation to that case," he said.
The perpetrators in the attack on a police checkpoint outside the courthouse were members of the terrorist group DHKP-C, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan condemned the terrorist attack.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that "Egypt strongly condemns all forms of terrorism targeting the security and stability of our brother Türkiye."
“Egypt stands in solidarity with Türkiye, particularly in such situations,” it said.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized in a statement its stance against all forms of violence.
In the statement condemning the attack, condolences were offered for the civilian who lost their life.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and underscored the country’s "unwavering stance" against terrorism and violence.
It emphasized Qatar's solidarity with Türkiye and support for any steps Ankara takes to ensure its security.
Similarly, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, highlighting the country’s solidarity with Türkiye.