Tweet
A car bomb attack targeting a police bus has killed seven officers and four civilians in central Istanbul.
It was the fourth major attack in Turkey's largest city this year.
No group has claimed it, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to the involvement of Kurdish militants.
Turkish media said four people had been arrested but gave no details. The banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and one of its offshoots have claimed previous attacks on security forces.
The attack happened near the city's historic Beyazit Square neighbourhood, a major tourist attraction, and an Istanbul university building.
The explosives were remotely detonated as the bus passed through the busy Vezneciler district at the morning rush hour, Istanbul's governor, Vasip Sahin, said.
About 36 other people were injured, he added.
How dangerous is Turkey's unrest?
Turkey in midst of hideous vortex
Image copyright Reuters Image caption The blast happened during the morning rush hour in central Istanbul Image copyright SNS Image caption The explosion also damaged nearby buildings Visiting some of the wounded in hospital, Mr Erdogan said: "These (attacks) are being carried out against people whose duty it is to ensure the security of our people."
"These cannot be pardoned or forgiven. We shall continue our fight against terrorists tirelessly until the end."
Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the attackers were "cold-heartedly" for exploding bombs on the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which is in its second day.
At the scene: Mark Lowen, BBC News
Image copyright Getty The force of the blast is clear, with windows of surrounding buildings shattered.
The bomb exploded in front of a hotel which, thankfully, was largely empty because of the current tourism decline here. But among the dead are police and civilians while some of those injured remain in a critical condition.
The most likely culprit is the PKK, a Kurdish militant group considered terrorists by Turkey, the EU and US. Kurdish fighters also targeted police vehicles in Ankara in February and March.
A Kurdish group calling itself TAK claimed responsibility then but the Turkish government and western intelligence believe they are simply an alias of the PKK. This is the fourth attack in Istanbul this year. A nervous, vulnerable country waits to see when the next strike could come.
An eyewitness told Reuters news agency that there was a "loud bang", strong enough to topple all the goods from the shelves of his store.
"We thought it was lightning, but right at that second the windows of the shop came down. It was extremely scary," he said.
Turkey has been hit by bloody attacks in recent months by so-called Islamic State (IS) and the PKK or one of its offshoots.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Reports said a parked car packed with explosives was detonated by remote control Image copyright AFP Image caption Officers from Turkish special forces were deployed to the area The country is part of the US-led coalition against IS and allows coalition planes to use its air base at Incirlik for raids on Iraq and Syria.
It has also been waging an offensive against the PKK, which fights for autonomy in the majority-Kurdish areas in Turkey's south-east.
A two-year-old ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK broke down last summer. Since then, violence has killed hundreds of Turkish security forces, Kurdish fighters and civilians.
Recent attacks in Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
Tears and destruction amid PKK crackdown
Are you in Istanbul? Have you been affected by today's attack? Do you live nearby or did you see what happened? If you have an experience you would like to share, or pictures of the incident, you can share it with us in the following ways:
Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Send pictures/video to
Upload your pictures / video here
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100
Contact us on WhatsApp number +44 (0)7525 900971
Text us on 61124 or +44 7624 800 100 if you are outside the UK
Or use the form below
Your contact details Name Your E-mail address (required) Town & Country Your telephone number Comments (required) If you are happy to be contacted by a BBC journalist please leave a telephone number that we can contact you on. In some cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name as you provide it and location, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. When sending us pictures, video or eyewitness accounts at no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions.
Terms and conditions
Share this story About sharing
More on this story
Europe
Migrant crisis: EU to boost Africa aid
Full article Migrant crisis: EU to boost Africa aid
Fire ravages German refugee hub
Full article Fire ravages German refugee hub
Berlusconi in hospital for heart problem
Full article Berlusconi in hospital for heart problem
More Videos from the BBC
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-0 ob-o"> The Queen in Cardiff to open the Welsh Assembly <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-o"> One of Britain's worst paedophiles to be sentenced <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-o"> Mother: 'He's dragging my son, I can't watch this' <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-o"> Forbes 100 most powerful women list released <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-5 ob-o">
Recommended by Outbrain
Elsewhere on BBC
Recommended by Outbrain
You Might Also Like
Top Stories
Clinton set to tighten nomination grip Hillary Clinton targets primaries in California and New Jersey to tighten her grip on the Democratic nomination, after an AP delegate count said she had already won.
3 hours ago
Attack on Istanbul police bus kills 11 1 hour ago
Ex-trader Kerviel wins unfair dismissal 1 hour ago
Advertisement
Features & Analysis
Ali v Superman
When the boxer and the superhero met in the ring
Left to die
The country where people won't help you after a car crash
Crossing boundaries
Asian migrants give cricket a boost in Germany
Playtime at the office
Who needs a desk when you've got slides?
Tastier than chicken?
How Angola is trying to stop the bushmeat trade
Act of defiance
The Chinese lawyer who had his clothes ripped off in court
24 things
Little-known facts about the Euro 2016 squads
'Don't fall in love'
Indian Romeo and Juliet becomes sleeper hit
Video
Mission for peace
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma on bringing change through music
Most Popular popular
Most read
Advertisement
From Around the Web
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-0 ob-p"> What's causing your Lower Back Pain? Yahoo Search <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-p"> These 21 Isolated Military Bases Left Us Speechless… History Fanatic <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-p"> Our Editors Tried Nutrisystem: Here's What Happened Nutrisystem on Topdust <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-p"> World’s Worst Tow Truck Driver (This is Tough to Watch) Tuff Guy Stuff <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-p"> American Drivers Using Cheap Gas Should Read This LiveSmarterDaily <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-5 ob-p">
Promoted content by Outbrain
Ads by Google
It was the fourth major attack in Turkey's largest city this year.
No group has claimed it, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to the involvement of Kurdish militants.
Turkish media said four people had been arrested but gave no details. The banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and one of its offshoots have claimed previous attacks on security forces.
The attack happened near the city's historic Beyazit Square neighbourhood, a major tourist attraction, and an Istanbul university building.
The explosives were remotely detonated as the bus passed through the busy Vezneciler district at the morning rush hour, Istanbul's governor, Vasip Sahin, said.
About 36 other people were injured, he added.
How dangerous is Turkey's unrest?
Turkey in midst of hideous vortex
Image copyright Reuters Image caption The blast happened during the morning rush hour in central Istanbul Image copyright SNS Image caption The explosion also damaged nearby buildings Visiting some of the wounded in hospital, Mr Erdogan said: "These (attacks) are being carried out against people whose duty it is to ensure the security of our people."
"These cannot be pardoned or forgiven. We shall continue our fight against terrorists tirelessly until the end."
Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the attackers were "cold-heartedly" for exploding bombs on the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which is in its second day.
At the scene: Mark Lowen, BBC News
Image copyright Getty The force of the blast is clear, with windows of surrounding buildings shattered.
The bomb exploded in front of a hotel which, thankfully, was largely empty because of the current tourism decline here. But among the dead are police and civilians while some of those injured remain in a critical condition.
The most likely culprit is the PKK, a Kurdish militant group considered terrorists by Turkey, the EU and US. Kurdish fighters also targeted police vehicles in Ankara in February and March.
A Kurdish group calling itself TAK claimed responsibility then but the Turkish government and western intelligence believe they are simply an alias of the PKK. This is the fourth attack in Istanbul this year. A nervous, vulnerable country waits to see when the next strike could come.
An eyewitness told Reuters news agency that there was a "loud bang", strong enough to topple all the goods from the shelves of his store.
"We thought it was lightning, but right at that second the windows of the shop came down. It was extremely scary," he said.
Turkey has been hit by bloody attacks in recent months by so-called Islamic State (IS) and the PKK or one of its offshoots.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Reports said a parked car packed with explosives was detonated by remote control Image copyright AFP Image caption Officers from Turkish special forces were deployed to the area The country is part of the US-led coalition against IS and allows coalition planes to use its air base at Incirlik for raids on Iraq and Syria.
It has also been waging an offensive against the PKK, which fights for autonomy in the majority-Kurdish areas in Turkey's south-east.
A two-year-old ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK broke down last summer. Since then, violence has killed hundreds of Turkish security forces, Kurdish fighters and civilians.
Recent attacks in Turkey
- March 2016: 35 people killed by Kurdish militants in Ankara; 4 dead in a suicide attack in Istanbul
- February 2016: 28 killed in military convoy in Ankara
- January 2016: 12 German tourists are killed in a suspected IS suicide bombing in Istanbul
- October 2015: More than 100 people are killed in a double suicide bombing at a Kurdish peace rally in Ankara
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
Tears and destruction amid PKK crackdown
Are you in Istanbul? Have you been affected by today's attack? Do you live nearby or did you see what happened? If you have an experience you would like to share, or pictures of the incident, you can share it with us in the following ways:
Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Send pictures/video to
Upload your pictures / video here
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100
Contact us on WhatsApp number +44 (0)7525 900971
Text us on 61124 or +44 7624 800 100 if you are outside the UK
Or use the form below
Your contact details Name Your E-mail address (required) Town & Country Your telephone number Comments (required) If you are happy to be contacted by a BBC journalist please leave a telephone number that we can contact you on. In some cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name as you provide it and location, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. When sending us pictures, video or eyewitness accounts at no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions.
Terms and conditions
Share this story About sharing
- Turkey violence: How dangerous is instability?
4 hours ago
- Turkey caught in overlapping security crises
14 March 2016
- Turkey country profile
6 May 2016
Europe
Migrant crisis: EU to boost Africa aid
- 7 June 2016
- From the section Europe
Full article Migrant crisis: EU to boost Africa aid
Fire ravages German refugee hub
- 7 June 2016
- From the section Europe
Full article Fire ravages German refugee hub
Berlusconi in hospital for heart problem
- 7 June 2016
- From the section Europe
Full article Berlusconi in hospital for heart problem
More Videos from the BBC
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-0 ob-o"> The Queen in Cardiff to open the Welsh Assembly <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-o"> One of Britain's worst paedophiles to be sentenced <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-o"> Mother: 'He's dragging my son, I can't watch this' <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-o">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-o"> Forbes 100 most powerful women list released <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-5 ob-o">
Recommended by Outbrain
Elsewhere on BBC
Recommended by Outbrain
You Might Also Like
Top Stories
Clinton set to tighten nomination grip Hillary Clinton targets primaries in California and New Jersey to tighten her grip on the Democratic nomination, after an AP delegate count said she had already won.
3 hours ago
Attack on Istanbul police bus kills 11 1 hour ago
Ex-trader Kerviel wins unfair dismissal 1 hour ago
Advertisement
Features & Analysis
Ali v Superman
When the boxer and the superhero met in the ring
Left to die
The country where people won't help you after a car crash
Crossing boundaries
Asian migrants give cricket a boost in Germany
Playtime at the office
Who needs a desk when you've got slides?
Tastier than chicken?
How Angola is trying to stop the bushmeat trade
Act of defiance
The Chinese lawyer who had his clothes ripped off in court
24 things
Little-known facts about the Euro 2016 squads
'Don't fall in love'
Indian Romeo and Juliet becomes sleeper hit
Video
Mission for peace
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma on bringing change through music
Most Popular popular
Most read
- 1 If no-one helps you after a car crash in India, this is why
- 2 Doctor settles Chelsea dismissal case
- 3 Donald Trump's Hispanic voter 'doomsday'
- 4 Apple's Siri calls ambulance for baby
- 5 Storm smashes exclusive Sydney beach
- 6 Will Stanford sexual assault case silence future victims?
- 7 Clinton set to tighten nomination grip
- 8 Attack on Istanbul police bus kills 11
- 9 Abandoned Japanese boy 'forgives father'
- 10 Ex-trader Kerviel wins unfair dismissal
Advertisement
From Around the Web
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-0 ob-p"> What's causing your Lower Back Pain? Yahoo Search <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-1 ob-p"> These 21 Isolated Military Bases Left Us Speechless… History Fanatic <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-2 ob-p"> Our Editors Tried Nutrisystem: Here's What Happened Nutrisystem on Topdust <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-3 ob-p"> World’s Worst Tow Truck Driver (This is Tough to Watch) Tuff Guy Stuff <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-p">
<li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-4 ob-p"> American Drivers Using Cheap Gas Should Read This LiveSmarterDaily <li class="ob-dynamic-rec-container ob-recIdx-5 ob-p">
Promoted content by Outbrain
Ads by Google
- Medicare Supplement Plans
Medigap Options for (65 & older). Compare Plans & Prices for 2016.
www.medicaresupplemental.com - Coffee Exposed
A shocking secret coffee co's don't want you to know
www.coffeefoolvalet.com - China Destroys The Dollar
The US economy is in trouble at the hands of China. Read more here.
moneymorningresearch.com/
Comment