President Erdoğan and Turkish Embassy stand by ‘close friend and ally’ Britain
Senior Turkish officials were among those lining up to deplore a bomb attack on a Manchester concert venue that claimed 22 lives, including many children.
In a series of tweets, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered Turkey’s condolences.
“We strongly condemn the terror attack in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” Mr Erdoğan wrote.
“Turkey stands in solidarity with the United Kingdom and will continue its joint and decisive efforts against terrorism.”
In a longer statement issued on Tuesday, the Turkish Embassy in London said: “We convey our deepest condolences to the United Kingdom and the British people, on behalf of Turkey and the Turkish people who unfortunately have a profound experience of the savagery and the pain of such heinous attacks perpetrated by inhumane circles.
“We will maintain our decisive and effective fight against terrorism, side by side with our close friend and ally the United Kingdom, in order to root out all kinds of sources generating this scourge.
“This will be the best joint response to the despicable attack in Manchester.”
Following Monday’s blast at the Manchester Arena which left 22 dead and 59 injured, the Government has activated Operation Temperer, providing up to 3,800 troops to support the police in their security operations.
Armed troops were deployed to guard “key locations” such as Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster and embassies, the Metropolitan Police said.
Soldiers will replace armed police at many sites under the operation, which is being enacted after security experts warned the Government that another terrorist attack could be imminent.
Britain’s terror threat level was raised to critical, the highest degree, meaning a fresh attack could be imminent.