Speaking on his arrival in Semdinli at the beginning of a surprise visit to the region, Erdogan said that those responsible for the bombing on November 9, which left two dead, would be brought to justice.

The attack has sparked widespread protests throughout the region after evidence came to light that Turkey’s security forces may have been involved in the bombing. Currently, the investigation into the blast is focusing on four men, three of them members of the armed services.

Prime Minister Erdogan, who is being accompanied by Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu and Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, flew into Semdinli from the city of Van Monday morning. Erdogan said on his arrival that the state had already authorised the payment of compensation to those businessmen whose shops had been damaged in the recent protests.