Six people were killed and 53 others were injured after a device exploded on a major pedestrian area in the heart of Istanbul on Sunday. President Tayyip Erdogan described the event as “reeking of terrorism.”
On the congested Istiklal Avenue, which police had promptly sealed off, ambulances rushed to the scene. The area in the Beyoglu neighbourhood of Turkey’s largest metropolis was, as usual, packed with shoppers, tourists, and families over the weekend.
Authorities have given no reason for the blast. A video journalist for AFP on the scene reports that the police have erected a big security perimeter to block entry to the damaged area out of concern for a second explosion. All gates were similarly sealed by a big deployment of security officers, while a massive deployment of rescue workers and police was evident.
A Reuters correspondent spotted an above helicopter and multiple ambulances in the vicinity of Taksim Square.
Erdogan Says Bombing ‘Smells Like Terrorism’
On Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “heinous incident” that he said killed six people and injured scores more in central Istanbul.
Last Recently in October there is a bomb blast attack in Turkey Bomb Blast Causes At Least 28 Dead And Dozens Trapped
Pakistan Expresses Its Sympathies.
Politicians from all parties expressed their sympathies and grief over the occurrence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, “Government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Turkey for the loss of precious lives and send prayers for the rapid recovery of the injured.”
I have learnt with deep anguish about the explosion at popular Istiklal avenue in the heart of Istanbul. Govt & people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Turkiye at the loss of precious lives & send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 13, 2022
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and Pakistan stood in “complete solidarity” with the Turkish people in their hour of grief.
Deeply saddened at precious loss of life in explosion at the iconic Taksim square in Istanbul, today. We stand in complete solidarity with our Turkish brethren in this hour of grief and offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families & brotherly people of Turkiye
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 13, 2022
PTI Chairman Imran Khan, in a video address, also expressed regret and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and their families.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I want to express deepest condolences to the people of Turkiye at the loss of precious lives. I also send prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured and for their families”-@ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/pHAbrPNGHD
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 13, 2022
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