On November 13, 2022, a terrorist attack took place on one of the main tourist streets of the Turkish capital, Istiklal. The explosion occurred around 16:22 local time (coincides with Moscow time).
Turkish police have already detained suspects in the terrorist attack in Istanbul. According to preliminary reports, terrorist groups from Syria were involved in the incident, according to Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.
The groups in question are the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, and the YPG, the Kurdish People’s Self-Defence Units.
According to information from surveillance cameras, the bomb was left by a woman on Istiklal Street. It is known that the suspect had been sitting on a bench on the spot for about 45 minutes, and as soon as she stood up, there was an explosion.
The Russian Consulate General is located on the street. After the explosion near the building, the security was increased and a police cordon was placed, according to TASS. Parts of the street are now accessible to pedestrians.
Following the bombing, the Istanbul Criminal Court banned live-streaming and any social media coverage of the attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to his colleague Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the incident.
“We confirm our readiness for the closest cooperation with our Turkish partners in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism“, – The Kremlin said in a telegram posted on its website.
Most of the injured in the blast have so far been discharged from hospital, five remain in intensive care and six have died, Anadolu news agency reported. There are three Russians among the injured and their lives are currently not in danger.
