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UPDATE:
According to the latest data, 6 people were killed, 81 were injured, two are in serious condition.
The explosion on a popular tourist street in the center of Istanbul was committed by a woman, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said, Yenisafak reports.
Explosion thundered on Istiklal Street in Beyoglu district in Istanbul, which is one of the most important tourist streets in the Turkey’s capital. At least 15 people were wounded, at least 5 were killed in the blast, according to the police.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown. The police blocked the passage to Istiklal Street. Turkish authorities have also imposed a temporary ban on the publication of news about the explosion in Istanbul.
Law enforcement agencies do not rule out that this is a terrorist attack. Street cameras show that the bomb was set off by a suicide bomber. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Russian consulate is located on this street. So far, it is not clear if the diplomats were the target.
Attackers could also be members of ISIS. Today is the anniversary of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris which were organized by ISIS. Today’s attack took place in front of a cafe which is popular with Israeli tourists and expats on Istiklal Street in the city center.
Kurdish forces may also be behind the explosion.
So far, the official information is yet to be provided.
