While the cause of the blast has not yet been confirmed, footage reportedly from the scene appeared to show a backpack exploding.
At least six people were killed and 81 others were injured in an explosion on a central thoroughfare in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday afternoon, according to Turkish officials.
State broadcaster TRT and other media showed ambulances and police heading to the scene on Istanbul’s popular Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district. Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay stated on Sunday evening that 12 of the injured were in serious condition, adding that the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack and that it was believed that a female suspect detonated the explosive.
“Efforts to take over Turkey and the Turkish nation through terrorism will not yield results,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a press conference.
The Turkish Anadolu Agency said the cause of the blast was not yet known, although surveillance footage reportedly from the scene appeared to show a backpack left at the scene exploding.
People react after an explosion on busy pedestrian Istiklal street in Istanbul, Turkey, November 13, 2022 (credit: REUTERS/KEMAL ASLAN)“We wish God’s mercy on those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the injured,” said the governor of Istanbul, Ali Yerlikaya.
Turkish state media RTUK reported that a gag order had been placed on the explosion. A terrorism investigation has been launched into the incident by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, access to Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook in Turkey was restricted after the explosion.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz expressed his condolences to Turkey after the explosion, adding that “the defense establishment in Israel is prepared to assist as much as is required.”
“In the last hour I conveyed my condolences on behalf of the defense establishment and on behalf of my counterpart, minister Akar. The attack is a harsh reminder of the need to strengthen cooperation against bloodthirsty terrorists who harm innocent civilians. This is what we are doing and this is how we will continue to act.”
Israeli officials ask tourists in Turkey to exercise caution and listen to authorities
An Israeli security official said that the recommendation for Israelis in Istanbul is to stay at their hotels until the situation is clearer, and to listen to the Turkish authorities.
The National Security Council has constant recommendations for visitors to countries considered a medium or level three danger, such as Turkey at this time, and should be avoided unless the trip is necessary. These include keeping relatives up to date on their location, not publicizing their location on social media, stay away from demonstrations, hide that they are Israeli, do not enter unidentified vehicles, and stay alert.
This is a developing story.
Lahav Harkov contributed to this report.
Content retrieved from: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-722254.