ISTANBUL - Two people were killed and one injured in a suicide bombing in the most popular tourist destination of Sultanahmet square in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Special forces police officers stand guard at the scene of a bomb blast in Istanbul January 6, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
Among the dead was a female suicide bomber targeting a police station and one police officer. Another police officer was slightly injured.
Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin said in his statement that "We are working to determine her identity. Her nationality is still unknown."
According to previous reports, the attacker got into the guardroom of the tourism police headquarter of the area, and told the police in English that she lost her wallet. Few seconds later she blown herself up while the guards trying to prevent her from enter into the building.
Security forces warned all the police headquarters and centers for a possible second attack. Police also detonated two hand grenades in the area.
Numerous ambulances and the fire brigade crew were dispatched to the area, according to an eyewitness.
Sultanahmet lies on Istanbul's historic peninsula, home to the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya museum, and is among the world's most visited tourist destinations.