On July 20, 2015, a devastating suicide attack took place in Suruç, Turkey, resulting in the deaths of 34 people and injuring 104 others. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for this horrific act. The attacker, who was connected to ISIL, detonated explosives outside the Amara Culture Centre. Most victims were university students and members of a youth organization focused on helping rebuild the nearby town of Kobanî. This town, which is approximately 10 kilometers from Suruç, had suffered a long siege before this attack, and its residents were still recovering from the destruction caused by ISIL. When the bombing occurred, many young students had gathered to discuss their planned trip to Kobanî. After the explosion, there was significant international condemnation, as people expressed anger about the lack of safety measures for such gatherings. The Turkish government then decided to increase security at the Syria-Turkey border. If they had implemented stronger security earlier, many believe lives could have been saved. They also launched military operations against ISIL and Kurdish militants soon after. This attack affected Turkish society deeply and renewed fears of further violence in the region, especially among communities who felt they were not protected. Many still feel unsafe because of the ongoing conflict, and discussions about security continue to be a major topic in Turkey.
B1 · Intermediate · 222 words · ~1 min
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- devastating
- causing a lot of destruction or damage.
- detonated
- exploded, especially in a way that produces a loud noise.
- siege
- a military operation in which soldiers surround a place to stop people or supplies from entering or leaving.
- condemnation
- strong disapproval of something that is seen as morally wrong.
- operations
- military actions designed to achieve a specific goal.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.Who claimed responsibility for the Suruç suicide attack?
2.What was the location of the attack?
3.What kind of security measures did the Turkish government decide to increase after the attack?
















































