No: 120, 17 April 2015

We saddened to learn that two people lost their lives and at least ten others were injured at evening hours today (April 17) in a bomb attack in Erbil, the center ofthe Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (IKRG), according to the initial statements.

IKRG authorities have informed that according to their initial findings the two people who lost their lives were Turkish citizens and DNA identification tests are in progress. Officials from Turkish Consulate General in Erbil have visited five Turkish citizens who are among the injured in the hospitals where they are being treated.

We have informed the IKRG authorities of our readiness to provide all kinds of support, including the treatment of those injured in Turkey.

We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist act aimed at the peace and stability of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government; we wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives, patience to their families and speedy recovery for the wounded.

Turkey will continue to stand by the brotherly people of Iraq with all its components in their fight against terrorism.