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Two simultaneous explosions took place in the armory of the 20th Armored Brigade Command in Turkey's southeastern province of Urfa at around 10.50 p.m. last evening (November 13). As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), 16 on-duty soldiers and one civilian on the balcony of a nearby house have been injured in the incident.
Following the explosions, smokes started to rise from the area. Several ambulances and fire brigade teams were referred to the scene of incident.
It was initially announced that 14 security personnel were wounded. Making a statement shortly after the incident, Urfa Governor Abdullah Erin indicated that "the explosion took place in the armory and 14 soldiers responsible for protecting the armory were wounded."
As reported by the AA later on, the Governor addressed the reporters in front of the Command building after inspecting the area and announced that 16 security forces and one civilian have been wounded in the incident.
Erin has also stated that both explosions occurred in the armory and the first explosion triggered the second one. "One of the injured was in critical condition, but thankfully, according to the latest information from the hospital, he is now in good condition", he has added.
An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Ministry: Security has been ensured
The Ministry of National Defense has also released a written statement about the incident on its official website:
"An explosion took place in the light weapon armory of the 20th Armored Brigade Command in Şanlurfa at around 10.50 p.m. for reasons yet not identified. The personnel wounded in the incident have been referred to hospital, the ensuing fire has been taken under control and security has been ensured in and around the scene of incident.
"All measures have been taken regarding the incident and the inspection committee formed after the incident have immediately started working to identify the causes of the explosion." (EKN/SD)
