International community condemns Ankara attack

Members of the international community, including world powers like the United States and Russia and inter-governmental organizations like the United Nations, have stood beside Turkey and condemned the third major terrorist attack to hit the country's capital over the past six months. 

U.S. State Department Spokesman John Kirby conveyed condolences to the families of those killed on March 13 and wished a quick recovery to the wounded.

"We reaffirm our strong partnership with our NATO ally Turkey in combating the shared threat of terrorism," he said.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey John Bass said in a tweet that he was "deeply saddened and horrified by the attack in Ankara." 

"We extend our deepest condolences to victims and their families," he said. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said March 13.

"Vladimir Putin condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Ankara? The Russian president mourns together with all the Turkish people, who suffered another terrorist attack, in connection with numerous human victims," Peskov told reporters.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "appalled." 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault described it as a "cowardly attack."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the bombing in Ankara and sent his "heartfelt condolences" to the victims' families. 

"The United Nations continues to support and stand in solidarity with the people and the government of Turkey at this trying time," the official statement said. 

Turkey's eastern neighbor Iran released a statement by its foreign ministry spokesperson, Hossein Jaber Ansari, saying the country shared the pain of the...