Explosion rocks Istanbul, injures 7May 26, 2011 - 13:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An explosion at a bus stop that rocked the Etiler neighborhood of Istanbul early on Thursday, May 26, and was most likely caused by a bomb injured seven people, officials have said. Today’s Zaman reported that the explosion took place near Akmerkez, one of Istanbul's leading shopping centers, at around 9 am. Speaking to reporters at the scene of the explosion, Istanbul Police Chief Hüseyin Çapkın said the explosive was of medium strength, adding it was not a percussion bomb but aimed to create damage. He said five vehicles, including a municipal bus, were damaged in the blast. Çapkın noted that the bomb had been placed on an electric bike under the bridge. Ambulances were immediately dispatched to the area. There are reports that the explosion may have targeted a police academy near Akmerkez. Turkey has been experiencing increased tension in recent weeks, with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) stepping up their campaign of violence ahead of the June 12 parliamentary elections. The group has mainly targeted the police in its recent attacks. Çapkın said the fact that the explosion took place near the police academy and its timing are the two issues that deserve attention. “We will investigate whether the police academy was targeted,” he said. As for the question of who may be behind the attack, the police chief said it would be wrong to prematurely comment on this issue. “We will find the perpetrators,” he said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. Iran’s Red Crescent sends aid to Armenia’s flood-hit regions The Iranian Red Crescent Society has sent humanitarian aid to the victims of deadly floods that hit northern Armenia on May 25-26. Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. |