Ankara, February 18 (RHC)-- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed revenge against those responsible for the Ankara deadly blast that claimed the lives of at least 28 people.  In a statement issued after the blast on Wednesday, Erdogan said: "Our determination to respond in kind to attacks taking place inside and outside our borders is getting stronger with such acts." Erdogan said in a statement issued after the blast on Wednesday.

"We will continue our fight against the pawns that carry out such attacks, which know no moral or humanitarian bounds, and the forces behind them with more determination every day," he added.

International condemnation of the terrorist attack in Turkey was immediate.  Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari severely condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the victims and the Turkish nation.  He noted that such crimes show the necessity for jointly battling terrorism as a global threat.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the deadly bombing, saying: "In the battle against those responsible for these inhuman acts we are on the side of Turkey."

In addition, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement offering his condolences to the families of the victims of the car bombing.  He noted that such actions can never be justified and that "NATO allies stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism."