State Dept responds to Turkey's outrageous statements and condolence refussal

Mr. Soylu said that Turkey does not accept the condolences of the American embassy for the bomb attack that occurred in Istanbul.

Turkey claims that the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which operates in northern Syria, is behind the attack.

Washington's cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab alliance of which the YPG is a key component, in the war against terrorism has caused great friction in US-Turkish relations in recent years.

Responding to a question from Greek correspondents regarding Mr. Soylou's statements, a State Department spokesman noted that "the United States unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and stands in solidarity with Turkey, its valued NATO ally. We reject and are deeply disappointed by any irresponsible comments suggesting that the United States had any role or responsibility in this heinous attack against Turkish civilians. We are ready to help the Turkish authorities in their investigation."