Istanbul, July 20 (RHC)-- At least 28 people have been killed after a massive terrorist explosion rocked the Turkish town of Suruc, near the southern border with Syria, according to an official.

The blast occurred at the garden of Amara Culture Center of Suruç Municipality on Monday. Suruc lies opposite the Syrian flash-point town of Kobani.

Witnesses reported that fire broke out after the strong explosion which smashed the windows of the building. Television footage showed several people lying on the ground covered in blood and ambulances rushing to the scene.

The explosion targeted people from the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF) who had gathered at the culture center before their journey to Kobani to help in the restructuring of the war-ravaged town, according to reports.

A Turkish government official said the attack was likely carried out by ISIL Takfiri militants. "Turkish authorities have strong reason to believe that the terrorist attack was perpetrated by ISIS (ISIL)," the source told AFP.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a near simultaneous attack close to the Syrian town of Kobani, "strengthens our suspicions."