Istanbul Explosion: Attack 'Might Have Come from IS or PKK'

World » SOUTHEAST EUROPE | March 19, 2016, Saturday // 11:38
Bulgaria: Istanbul Explosion: Attack 'Might Have Come from IS or PKK' People walk at Istiklal Street while a tram passes in Istanbul, Turkey, March 17, 2016. File photo, EPA/BGNES

An suicide explosion has rocked Turkey's biggest city, leaving up to five people dead, including the perpetrator, local media report.

The number of wounded is still on the rise, having reached at least 36, according to a statement of Istanbul's Governor Vasip ?ahin.

Health Ministry officials say at least 12 of those injured are foreign nationals.

Reuters quotes a senior Turkish official as saying that the attacker was deterred by police and detonated the bomb "out of fear", before reaching his target.

The official adds the attacker could have been a member of the Islamic State (IS) group or outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Six Israelis are among those under treatment in hospital, along two citizens of Ireland, one of Iceland, one of Iran, and two of the United Arab Emirates, according to H?rriyet Daily News.

The blast occurred in the busy commercial avenue of Istiklal - a famous pedestrian area popular with locals and tourists alike.

Police sealed off the street, and police officers, fire brigade teams and emergency medics have been deployed. Coverage of the events has been banned for broadcast media.

Other reports suggest the suicide attacker was on his way to his target, but the explosive device went off in front of a d?ner kebab restaurant.

Saturday's attack has been the fifth in Turkey since the beginning of 2016.

A recent terror attack in the capital Ankara, earlier in March, claimed the lives of 37 people and wounded dozens. It was claimed by TAK, a "radical" offshoot of the PKK.

 

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Tags: turkey, Istanbul, explosion

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