Turkey: Feb.17 Ankara terror attack perpetrator killed

By Kaan Bozdogan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) – One of the perpetrators of a terror attack, which killed 29 people in Ankara on February 17, was neutralized in a ground operation by the Turkish armed forces on Thursday in the southeastern Diyarbakir province’s Lice district.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, military sources told Anadolu Agency early Friday that the terrorist, Mehmet Sirin Kocakaya, with the codename "Sirin," was neutralized during a joint operation by the Turkish Armed Forces and the police.

Another perpetrator of the Feb.17 Ankara attack had rented a car and driven to Diyarbakir to meet with Kocakaya, the military sources said.

The deadly Ankara blast occurred during the evening rush hour on Merasim Street, which connects Dikmen Street to Inonu Boulevard, close to the Turkish General Staff and parliament buildings.

The attack killed 29 people and 15 were arrested amid investigations.

*Anadolu Agency Correspondent Satuk Bugra Kutlugun contributed to this report from Ankara.