Erdogan says blast could be suspected act of terrorism, all perpetrators to be identified

By Anadolu Agency 

ANKARA (AA) - An explosion on Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue Sunday left at least six people dead and 53 others injured, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Addressing a press conference before leaving for Indonesia to attend the 17th G20 summit, he said that based on initial information from the city's governor, the explosion could be suspected act of terrorism.

Initial observations also show that a woman played a role in the blast, he said, adding that all perpetrators will be identified.

"Efforts to seize control of Türkiye and the Turkish nation through terrorism will not yield results," the president added.

Earlier, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said the blast occurred at around 4.20 p.m. local time, with police and emergency officials sent to the scene. The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.

• Pakistan condemns Turkiye explosion

Pakistan former Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the bomb explosion in Istanbul and expressed condolances to Turkish President and people of Turkiye.

"First of all, I would like to condemn the terrorist attack that left many people martyred and injured in Istanbul today. On behalf of Pakistan, I would like to express my condolences to President Erdogan and the people of Turkiye. We stand by our brothers and sisters in Turkiye during this difficult time," Khan said while addressing his party gathering via video link.

Pakistan premier Shehbaz Sharif  wrote on twitter "I have learnt with deep anguish about the explosion at popular Istiklal avenue in the heart of Istanbul. Govt & people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Turkiye at the loss of precious lives & send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."