The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, on the victims of the terrorist bombing that took place in the Taksim area in central Istanbul, and the resulting deaths and injuries.
The King said: “We received the news of the terrorist bombing that took place in the Taksim area in central Istanbul, and the resulting deaths and injuries, and as we condemn in the strongest terms this criminal act, we share with you the pain of this casualty”, stressing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support for the Turkish Republic and its brotherly people.
“Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy extend to you, the families of the deceased, and the Turkish people as a whole. We wish the injured a speedy recovery, asking God to spare your country and its brotherly people all evil and harm”.The King asserted.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, for the victims of the terrorist bombing that took place in the Taksim area in central Istanbul, and the resulting deaths and injuries.
The Crown Prince said: “I was aware of the news of the terrorist bombing that took place in the Taksim area in central Istanbul, and the resulting deaths and injuries, and while I condemn and denounce this cowardly criminal act, I send to your Excellency, the people of the brotherly Turkish Republic and the families of the deceased, my deepest condolences and sympathy, asking the Almighty to grant the injured a speedy recovery”.
The Turkish channel, NTV, said that “the explosion occurred after four o’clock in the afternoon, at the height of the crowding on Istiklal Street in Istanbul.”
The explosion also occurred on the weekend for Turks, when many people go out for a walk and shop in the square.
Taksim Square has been subjected to a series of previous terrorist attacks, including:
- In 2010, a suicide bombing targeted a police bus in Taksim Square, injuring 32, including 15 policemen and 17 passersby.
- The terrorist organization ISIS targeted Istiklal Street in Taksim Square with a series of attacks in 2015 and 2016, killing 500 people and wounding more than 2,000 others.
