An explosion in Istanbul killed at least six people and injured 81 on Sunday, in what Turkey’s president is condemning and calling a terrorist act.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, president of the transcontinental country located between Europe and Asia, condemned the attacks on Sunday afternoon, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.
People leave the area after an explosion on Istanbul’s popular pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue on Sunday, Istanbul, Sunday 13 November 2022. A bomb exploded Sunday on a major pedestrian street in the heart of Istanbul, killing a handful of people, injuring dozens and sending people on the run as the flames rose.
(Ismail Coskun / IHA via AP)
“Relevant units in our state are doing work to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous act, as well as the circles behind it,” he said. “Attempts to have Turkey and the Turkish nation surrender through terror have never been successful. May our people be assured that all aspects of this incident will be cleared up and the perpetrators will be punished in the way they deserve.”
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The explosion occurred in a popular area of Istanbul where pedestrians can walk on Istiklal Caddesi.
People leave the area after an explosion on Istanbul’s popular pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue on Sunday, Istanbul, Sunday 13 November 2022. A bomb exploded Sunday on a major pedestrian street in the heart of Istanbul, killing a handful of people, injuring dozens and sending people on the run as the flames rose.
(Ismail Coskun / IHA via AP)
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the blast occurred around 16:20 or 13:20 GMT.
Since the blast, Turkish officials have reported six people dead and 81 injured.
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Several videos of the act have appeared on social media, including one in which an explosion is seen in the distance before a loud bang sends pedestrians to turn around and flee the scene.
People leave the area after an explosion on Istanbul’s popular pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue on Sunday, Istanbul, Sunday 13 November 2022. A bomb exploded Sunday on a major pedestrian street in the heart of Istanbul, killing a handful of people, injuring dozens and sending people on the run as the flames rose.
(Ismail Coskun / IHA via AP)
Other videos showed police monitoring the scene, the aftermath with bodies scattered on the ground with broken limbs and bloody appendages, and emergency teams rushing to help.
Several world leaders have condemned the violent act in public statements.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Twitter that she was “shocked by the explosion in #Istanbul”, adding that her thoughts are with the injured, the families and friends of those who lost their lives. “
The White House also made a similar statement.
“The United States strongly condemns the act of violence that took place today in Istanbul, Turkey,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and our deepest condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our NATO ally, Turkey, in the fight against terrorism.”
The UK government issued a travel warning in the area and the Kuwait State Consulate General in Istanbul confirmed that none of its citizens were among the victims injured in the blast.
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The consulate of Kuwait has invited the citizens of the country in Istanbul to stay away from meeting places, pay attention and follow the instructions of the security authorities.
Between 2015 and 2017, Turkey was attacked by a series of deadly attacks by the Islamic State group and Kurdish militants seeking independence.
According to the Associated Press, Erdoğan’s counter-terrorism campaign, centered on cracking down on militants, Kurdish lawmakers and activists, is a key meeting point for him as he seeks re-election next year.
