Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A remote control bomb injured 15 police officers and one civilian today as a police minibus passed close to the Istanbul headquarters of Turkey's ruling AK Party, police said.
Kurdish separatists, far left groups, far right groups and Islamist militants, including al-Qa'ida, have all carried out bomb attacks in Turkey in the past, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
"As a police vehicle carrying 21 officers was passing by, a remote control bomb on a motorcycle exploded. Our teams are carrying out the investigation," Istanbul police chief Huseyin Capkin told reporters.
"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Istanbul's Sutluce district. Sadly, 15 police officers and one civilian were injured as a result," Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara.
"Our struggle against terrorism will continue with the utmost determination," he said.
The bomb exploded on a road junction next to a building site in the Sutluce district of Istanbul, a poor, but developing neighbourhood on the banks of the Golden Horn.
"It happened around 9am. I was in my shop, and when I heard the explosion I ran out," said Orhan, a local shopkeeper. "People ran to the minibus. There were no flames. The injured were moved to a building nearby and later into the ambulances."
Security guards from nearby offices and passers-by helped moved the wounded to the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) building, a conservative business group close to the government whose headquarters are next door to the AK Party building.
"We were afraid the bomb had hit our building because the blast was so loud," MUSIAD spokesman Sadi Dinleyici told CNN Turk. "Windows were broken and the wounded police officers were given first aid in our building."
Fire engines and police vehicles surrounded the area and glass littered the streets as forensic officers in white overalls combed the area for evidence.
"Investigations into the type of bomb and the organisation (behind it) are continuing," media quoted Interior Minister Idris Naim Sahin as saying.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments