Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has extended his party’s sympathy and solidarity to all those bereaved by  the suicide bombing in Suruç, Turkey, which has claimed the lives of 30 Kurdish and left-wing activists and injured over 100.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Many Kurdish and left-wing activists had gathered at the targeted cultural centre in Suruç, which is near the Kurdish controlled city of Kobani, in Syria.

“Kurdish fighters lifted ISIS’ siege of Kobani and drove them from the city last year in one of the biggest battles against ISIS. However Kobani continues to endure prolonged and sustained attacks from ISIS.

“The activists from the Federation of Socialist Youth Associations had gathered to hold a press conference before they crossed the border to Kobani to assist with its reconstruction.

“30 of these brave activists were then killed in a brutal suicide bombing which indications that this was an ISIS operation.

“The absence of any overt Turkish security checks to stop such attacks will lead to further distrust and suspicion among Kurds and left wing activists in the aftermath of this latest attack.

“I would like to reiterate my party’s condolences and extend solidarity to all the families of all those killed and injured.

“This attack and ISIS’ savage campaign will not break international solidarity for Kobani and the Kurdish people, but will in fact strengthen resolve and lead to greater international support for their campaign to defeat ISIS.”

ENDS