The government of Turkey has confirmed that two explosions, believed to be a car bomb and a suicide bomb, targeted police officers at two locations near a football stadium in Istanbul.
#Breaking 15 dead, 69 injured in Istanbul twin blasts: health ministry
— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 10, 2016
The BBC reports that the attack took place two hours after fans had left Besiktas stadium. There are multiple reports circulating, but most suggest that police and security officials were targeted, possibly by a car bomb that was detonated near a bus carrying riot police.
https://twitter.com/AJTEnglish/status/807698352330641411
#Turkey: Together with all European governments, we condemn the #Istanbul #terror attack, killing innocent citizens https://t.co/P6Im8I3L89
— Daniel Holtgen (@CoESpokesperson) December 10, 2016
This video reportedly shows the reaction in the stadium’s broadcast booth after the first blast was heard.
Patlama anı @BesiktasTV_ yayında iken, Vodafone Arena pic.twitter.com/uyARAXJjXZ
— FOREVER 1903 ? (@forever1903bjk1) December 10, 2016
Moment of explosion in Istanbul from an amateur camera! pic.twitter.com/tJ6KeYCPfD
— Mutlu Civiroglu (@mutludc) December 10, 2016
The bomb by the stadium was louder and bigger; the one by the park smaller #istanbul #bombing #besiktas pic.twitter.com/MHkKbBxilj
— Ramazan Hakkı Öztan (@rhoztan) December 10, 2016
There was a game tonight and a heavy police presence by the #Besiktas stadium earlier today. #istanbul #bombing
— Ramazan Hakkı Öztan (@rhoztan) December 10, 2016
Two explosions around 15 seconds apart #istanbul #besiktas #gumussuyu #bombing
— Ramazan Hakkı Öztan (@rhoztan) December 10, 2016
Ambulances everywhere often stuck in heavy traffic. A coordinated attack for sure #istanbul #bombing #besiktas
— Ramazan Hakkı Öztan (@rhoztan) December 10, 2016
As police was target of terror attack in Istanbul, TAK/PKK are main suspect. However, wouldn't rule out ISIS who threatend to attack Turkey. pic.twitter.com/VkpRP5saPn
— Björn Stritzel (@bjoernstritzel) December 10, 2016
Condemnation of the attack is coming in swiftly from diplomats and world leaders around the globe.
Condemn attack in #Istanbul. My thoughts are with all those affected. UK committed to working with #Turkey to tackle terrorism
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 10, 2016
Another cowardly terror attack in #Istanbul. Condolences to the families of victims. Our thoughts are w/ people of #Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu
— Ditmir Bushati (@ditmirbushati) December 10, 2016
My thoughts & solidarity with Turkish citizens, with families of victims of #Istanbul attack. I wish speedy and full recovery to the injured
— Ex EP President (@EP_PresSchulz) December 10, 2016
Strongly condemn attack in #Istanbul! Violence has no place in a democratic society. @EUDelegationTur
— Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) December 10, 2016
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Update:
The death toll has risen dramatically, but the overwhelming majority of those killed remains police officers.
1. No chatter yet in ISIS channels about #Istanbul attack. The targeting of law enforcement, though, means it could be PKK/TAK as well.
— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) December 11, 2016
2. You will remember that ISIS did claim credit for the #Diyarbakir attack a month ago. #Istanbul https://t.co/H5ObUyvr8f
— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) December 11, 2016
3. Also relevant that the new ISIS spokesman Abu Hasan al-Muhajir called for attacks in Turkey during his first address on Dec 5. #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/EaDfIRSrt9
— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) December 11, 2016
Toll in Turkey bombings rises to 29 killed, including 27 police officers, Interior minister says. #İstanbul https://t.co/UBLXAohPnN
— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) December 11, 2016
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Related:
Large number of casualties reported after bomb blast hits wedding hall in Turkey https://t.co/SBdUq5vJwj
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 20, 2016