It has been a tragic conflict-ridden past couple of days as multiple bombings took place in Turkish capital of Ankara, as well as in Brussels’ Zaventem Airport.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have assured that no Singaporeans have been injured or killed in the deadly attacks that struck over the past couple of weeks.
“We are saddened at the loss of innocent lives in today’s multiple bombings in Brussels, and the recent attack in Turkey on 19 March 2016,” wrote MHA in a press release. “Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones,” they said, noting that the terrorist attacks in Brussels took place despite heightened security measures.
In Ankara, outlook has been grim since October last year, where anti-government groups — separatist Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the Islamic State — have conducted their public attacks across the city. The country has been rocked by the terror attacks for five times already since then, with the latest one taking place on March 19 on Istiklal Avenue — one of Istanbul’s busiest streets and a popular tourist attraction. That incident alone had a death toll of 38, with 19 others still receiving treatment. Much, much more have been killed and injured in the previous attacks in Turkey’s two biggest cities.
Over in Brussels, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility over the coordinated attacks at Brussels Airport and at Maalbeek metro station, with at least 31 victims and two suicide bombers killed in the deadliest act of terrorism to occur in Belgium. 250 others were injured. Belgian authorities are carrying out a manhunt for the third member of the terrorist team who may have pulled out of the atrocious assault at the last minute.
“Our security agencies continue to remain vigilant against security threats,” MHA assured. “Everyone can play a part by staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious persons or activities to the authorities promptly.”
