Two explosions targeting a peace rally in Ankara yesterday left at least 86 people dead and 186 wounded.

Protesters were demanding an end to the violence between Kurdish separatist militants and Turkish security forces. Two explosions rocked Ankara’s main train station shortly after 10am yesterday as hundreds gathered for the march.

A Maltese EU official in the Turkish capital told The Sunday Times of Malta the terrorist attack was intended to undermine long-standing efforts at reconciliation between the government and the Kurdish minority.

“Whoever is behind it has an interest in making it impossible for the country to unite; they’re trying to exploit divisions and create polarisations at a time when many are trying to do precisely the opposite,” Julian Vassallo, a political counsellor the European External Action Service in Ankara, said.

“The fact that it was targeted against people who were trying to put an end to the cycle of violence really makes it a more heinous crime,” Dr Vassallo added.

Turkish government officials said the attack was carried out by two suicide bombers but no organisation has yet claimed responsibility.

Violence between the State and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants has flared since July after a ceasefire between the two broke down and Turkey launched air strikes on militant camps in response to what it said were rising attacks on the security forces. Hundreds have since died.

The fact that it was targeted against people who were trying to put an end to the cycle of violence really makes it a more heinous crime

Those involved in the peace march tended to the wounded lying on the ground, as hundreds of stunned people wandered around the streets. Bodies lay in two circles around 20 metres apart where the explosions had taken place.

Dr Vassallo said yesterday’s attack followed a rapid degeneration in relations with the Kurdish minority, following a period in which negotiations were progressing positively and hopes for a peaceful settlement ran high.

“There have been a number of recent attacks, but this is perhaps the most horrendous we have seen,” he said, adding that the attack was particularly symbolic in that it targeted the heart of the capital city.

The mood in Ankara was one of shock in the aftermath of the bombing, according to Dr Vassallo, as a well-organised, European city unused to violence and military activity attempted to come to terms with the deadliest attack in Turkish history.

He said the long-term ramifications were hard to predict, but that it was likely that many would redouble their efforts in an attempt to return to normality.

People carry an injured man after an explosion during a peace march in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

“Most Turks recognise that a return to the bad old days is no solution,” Dr Vassallo said. “So there will be a lot of people trying to keep calm, to find out who is responsible, but not to fall into their trap.”

The attacks come three weeks ahead of a parliamentary election and at a time of multiple security threats, including from Islamic State militants in neighbouring Syria and homegrown leftist militants.

Foreign Minister George Vella yesterday condemned the bomb attack and expressed his solidarity with the Turkish people.