Following the Explosions in Turkey, Ankara Police Chief Dismissed

Following the explosions in Ankara, the police chief of the capital and two other senior officials have been dismissed. The attacks in Ankara are considered the worst in contemporary Turkish history. On October 22, the Turkish Ministry of Interior dismissed Kadri Kartal, the police chief of Ankara, and the head of the capital's intelligence and security center. This is the first official dismissal following the attacks on October 19. The Ministry of Interior stated that this action was taken so that inspectors and officials could conduct a 'clean investigation.' Recent events following the explosions in Turkey coincide with reports and analyses indicating an increase in protests and criticisms against the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing it of failing to ensure security during the rally. The explosion of two bombs near the Ankara train station on October 19 resulted in the deaths of 95 people during a peace rally. This rally was organized at the invitation of labor unions, leftist groups, and activists for the rights of Turkey's Kurds. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated that the number of victims has now risen to 99, including one Palestinian among the dead. On October 22, the Turkish President visited the site of the explosions for the first time and laid flowers in memory of the victims. According to AFP, the attacks in Ankara have heightened political tensions in Turkey. People have taken to the streets in protest against the government, chanting slogans. Many held placards labeling the President as a 'murderer' or stating 'we know the murderer.' The government, on the other hand, has pointed fingers outside its borders, claiming the roots lie in Syria. Mr. Davutoğlu stated in his first television interview after the explosions that there is evidence linking the bombings to the group known as the Islamic State. The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reports that officials believe the explosions were carried out by Yunus Emre Alagoz, the brother of the Suruç bomber, Abdulrahman Alagoz. Another name mentioned in this context is Omar Deniz Dündar, who had previously traveled to Syria twice. According to Hurriyet's report, both individuals entered Ankara separately from near the Syrian border on the day of the explosions. None of these reports have been officially confirmed. Additionally, the official Turkish news agency states that judicial authorities have prohibited the release of details regarding the investigations. Meanwhile, AFP reports that two Kurdish citizens linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been arrested, who Turkish officials claim were aware of the bombings and spoke about them on Twitter hours before the explosions. In this context, Davutoğlu held ISIS responsible for the deadly explosions in Ankara.