Turkish Intelligence Agency (MİT) was aware of Ankara bombing: Turkish MP

24 February 2016

As the Turkish government officials and Kurdish secessionists continue a barrage of acrimonious accusations of conspiracy and treason against each other following Ankara terror attack, a Turkish MP disclosed confidential information on the mischievous role played by Turkish Intelligence Agency, also known by its acronym, MİT.

Istanbul MP ErenErdem of Republican People's Party (CHP), in a press conference, suggested the possibility of Turkish security apparatus conniving with terror attack plotters, claiming that MİT has received reports of probable terrorist attacks and knew that a guideline of pre-emptive measures was already sent to related authorities, in particular to Turkish Air Force commanders, adding, “the security report dated January 20, 2016 —27 days ago before the terror attack— raising the possibility of ISIS suicide attacks against Turkish military centres but it was all to no avail. The blast site was dangerously in a short distance from Turkish parliament. 

Mr .Erdem sharply rebuke MİT for the utter incompetence to prevent the recent deadly attack, asking, “why the adequate measures haven’t been taken [by MİT] as soon as they received the threat reports?”, adding that many in Turkey are in a state of complete shock as the much-vaunted MİT made no efforts at all to foil the attack plot despite earlier ominous warnings. “They might claim that there is no security weakness in our country. Well, they should not deceive themselves. MİT is virtually in a helpless situation where it cannot protect the nation, for it concentrates much of its efforts on eavesdropping opposition leaders. We are extremely worried,” Turkish media cited Mr. Erdem as saying.

Erdem criticized MİT by casting aspersion on its mangers’ integrity by asking, “If this heart-breaking tragedy is due to a shameful negligence and inept handling of problem, thus dismissing the responsible officials has become imperative but what troubles me so much is the possibility of premediated intrigues.”

Some observers point their fingers at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) over the terrorist attack ripped through Ankara killing and wounding scores of people. Earlier, a number of leaked security reports blamed Erdoğan’s administration of masterminding multiple terrorist attacks, namely those that rocked southern Hatay province.

It is apparent that the Prime Minister Davutoğlu seeks to muster public support and reduce political pressures following his disastrous mismanagements by concocting terrorism-related incidents.