The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

At least 50 people have been injured following an explosion at a hospital in Turkey.

The blast at Mardin State Hospital in Kızıltepe on the border with Syria was heard miles away and has left a huge plume of smoke trailing over the area.

Turkey has been rocked in recent months by terror bombings claimed by ISIS militants, as well as PKK Kurdish separatists.

It is currently unclear what has caused this most recent blast however.

PKK rebels have attacked Turkish military installations from their strongholds across the Syrian border - leading to retaliation by Ankara.

Kurdish separatists have fought an insurrection against the Turkish state for decades, with atrocities committed by both sides leading to thousands of casualties.

It comes after NATO announced that Turkey's membership is not at risk of being revoked following President Erdogan's brutal purge after the failed coup.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The military alliance body was responding to reports in the Turkish press today from Haber Turk.

A column in the paper claimed that there was a secret plot to oust Turkey from the organisation.

An attempted military coup in the Turkish capital left 290 people dead last month.

But NATO has slammed the reports in a statement this afternoon.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty)

In a statement published on NATO's website, spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said: "In view of speculative press reports regarding NATO's stance regarding the failed coup in Turkey and Turkey’s NATO membership, let me stress NATO's very clear position.

"Turkey is a valued Ally, making substantial contributions to NATO's joint efforts.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty)

"Turkey takes full part in the Alliance’s consensus-based decisions as we confront the biggest security challenges in a generation.

"Turkey’s NATO membership is not in question.

"Our Alliance is committed to collective defence and founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, human rights and the rule of law.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Reuters)

"NATO counts on the continued contributions of Turkey and Turkey can count on the solidarity and support of NATO.

"The NATO Secretary General spoke to the Turkish Foreign Minister on the night of the attempted coup and later with President Erdogan, strongly condemning the attempted coup and reiterating full support for Turkey’s democratic institutions.

"He expressed support for the elected government of Turkey and respect for the courage of the Turkish people.

(Image: Rex)

"He also conveyed his condolences for those who had lost their lives during the coup attempt."

Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of several Turkish cities on July 16 in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the coup attempt.

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit Mirror.co.uk/news . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @DailyMirror - the official Daily Mirror & Mirror Online Twitter account - real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook/dailymirror - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Mirror Online.