110 X-ray machines to be installed as part of new security measurements in Ankara

ANKARA

At least 110 X-ray machines will be placed in sensitive spots in Ankara as part of precautions against deadly terror attacks, private broadcaster daily Habertürk has reported. 

Some security measurement were renewed to provide security across Ankara. Officials who described the new measurements as “visible security control,” ordered the installation of 110 X-ray machines in sensitive spots, especially at the entrance to malls in the province. 

Members of the security forces have also been conducting recent checks on security measures, with the power to levy fines starting at 2,000 Turkish Liras in the event that they determined security shortcomings.

Gendarmerie and security forces have been conducting security checks at the entrance to the city around the clock.

Officials also stated that the number of police officers in uniform was increased on the supposition that the show of force could discourage any attacks.

Security forces also tightened measures at the entrances to metro stations pending the installation of X-ray machines at stations around the city.

At least 275 people were killed and thousands were wounded in major bomb attacks across Turkey staged by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) over the course of 2015 and 2016, including Ankara.

In the bloodiest single attack in Turkey’s history, at least 101 people were killed and more than 500 were wounded when ISIL staged twin suicide bombings at a peace rally in Ankara on Oct. 10, 2015.

Some 29 were killed in a car bombing targeting military shuttle buses at a spot close to the General Staff HQ in Ankara on Feb. 17, 2016, in an attack claimed by the outlawed Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a group linked to the PKK.

The group also claimed responsibility for an attack on March 13, 2016, close to Ankara’s Kızılay Square that killed at least 37 people.