Turkish Development Minister Lütfi Elvan commented on a bomb attack in his constituency of Mersin that injured 12 police officers, telling reporters yesterday that 11 suspects have been detained in connection with the attack. Elvan also revealed that it was suspected that the PKK, a terrorist group active in the country since 1980s, is the likely culprit.

Authorities have issued a media ban after the attack that targeted a civilian bus carrying police officers in the southern Turkish province. Elvan said only six victims were still being treated for injuries but none were in critical condition.

The PKK resumed its armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015, unilaterally violating a cease-fire agreement. The organization rose to prominence in the early 1980s in southeastern Turkey, which has a large Kurdish population. The PKK is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people and launching a violent campaign for Kurdish self-rule.