"The separatist organization [PKK] is responsible for the attack. It uses all opportunities. This terror attack is connected to the events in Syria and Iraq. Turkey is facing a joint attack from a number of terrorist groups," Erdogan's statement said.
Earlier in the day, an explosive-laden car blasted near a military bus, which was carrying soldiers. At least 13 soldiers were reportedly killed, while 55 were injured.
#BREAKING First video footage from the explosion scene in #Turkey's #Kayseri. Witnesses say it is a car bomb attack. pic.twitter.com/AqJKyvkXuL
— Mehmet Dikbayir (@dikbayir_en) 17 декабря 2016 г.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the terror attack was perpetrated by a suicide bomber.
Explosion reported near Erciyes University in central #Turkish province of #Kayseri pic.twitter.com/OiySapjK2m
— Ahmad Alkhatib (@AhmadAlkhtiib) 17 декабря 2016 г.
Tensions between Ankara and Turkish Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed over a series of terrorist attacks, allegedly committed by PKK members.