U.S., NATO Condemn Attacks in Turkey

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2011 – President Barack Obama was joined by NATO today in denouncing the early morning terrorist attacks against various Turkish outposts and police stations along the Iraqi border.

“The United States strongly condemns this morning's outrageous terrorist attack against Turkey, one of our closest and strongest allies,” Obama said in a statement.

The attacks, which killed at least 24 soldiers and injured 18 others, including a child, have been attributed to the Kurdistan Workers Party, according to NATO.

Obama said the U.S. supports Turkey, a member of NATO since 1952.

“The United States will continue our strong cooperation with the Turkish government as it works to defeat the terrorist threat from the PKK and to bring peace, stability and prosperity to all the people of southeast Turkey,” Obama said.

“The people of Turkey, like people everywhere, deserve to live in peace, security and dignity,” the president added. “As they pursue the future they deserve, they will continue to have a friend and ally in the United States.”

NATO also condemned the attacks on Turkey and pledged solidarity with the country.

“On behalf of NATO, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks in southeastern Turkey, which killed and injured several Turkish soldiers, policemen and civilians, including a child,” said NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

“There is no justification for such acts of violence, and I express my condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he said. “NATO allies stand in solidarity in the fight against terrorism.”

Obama also expressed his sympathy to the families of those lost in the attacks.

“On behalf of the American people,” he said, “I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and to all of the Turkish people.”