Thirty two people were injured on Sunday morning when a bomb went off in a main square in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish media reported that the attack occurred near a police vehicle in Taksim Square, on the European side of the city. The force of the bomb broke windows in buildings around the square. Fifteen police officers and 17 civilians were wounded in the blast, with five of the officers seriously injured.
Although the government has not officially blamed any group, and no one has taken responsibility, Turkish officials suspect that the attack may have been carried out by Kurdish rebels.
Turkish police officials said that the bomber, who was killed in the blast, attempted to approach a police post in the square. Police spent several hours searching for other bombs that may have been left in the area.
So far, Turkish officials say they do not know who perpetrated the attack. “We do not yet have information on the aim or nature of the attack,” Huseyin Avni Mutlu, the governor of Istanbul, said in a televised statement. “Nevertheless, this is an act of terror.”
Although the government has not officially blamed any group, and no one has taken responsibility, Turkish officials suspect that the attack may have been carried out by Kurdish rebels. A report in the New York Times said that the attack came on the same day that a cease-fire declared by the Kurdish Workers' Party, the PKK, had expired.
Hinting at the Kurdish connection, Turkish President Abdullah Gül condemned the attack, saying that “those who preferred violence over friendship, brotherhood and peace will not be able to reach their goals in the face of our people’s unity, solidarity and will to live peacefully. I strongly condemn this heinous attack. Fortunately, the attack did not cause any loss of life. All segments of our society, regardless of their political views, should display a solid stance and condemn terrorism after such a cruel and inhuman act of terror,” Gul said, adding that it is “essential to develop the international fight against terror.”