Istanbul Police on Alert after Explosion, Security Warnings
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Police units stepped up their security measures in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square on April 10 following an explosion in central Istanbul on April 9 amid reports of possible terror threats targeting the city.
Police closed the square with barricades ahead of ceremonies for the 171st anniversary of the Turkish police department’s foundation. Special operations police officers were placed on top of high buildings nearby while a number of armed police officers were ready around the square.
Interior Ministry undersecretary Selami Altınok examined the square’s security measures, which will reportedly continue to be taken in the area.
A sound bomb exploded on April 9 in Istanbul’s busy Mecidiyeköy neighborhood, hours after the US embassy’s security warning. The bomb, which was placed under an overpass near the Mecidiyeköy metrobus station, exploded at around 8:45 p.m., injuring three people, who were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. In addition, a second sound bomb also exploded in a solid waste transfer station in the city’s Şişli district at around 11 p.m. The explosion occurred while a truck was emptying out waste material at the station. No injuries were reported in the incident. A police investigation into both incidents was ongoing.
The intensified security measures were taken amid a recent warning by the United States of possible attacks in Istanbul, marking the second such warning in a month, Hurriyet Daily News reported.
On April 9, the United States Embassy in Turkey warned American citizens of “credible threats” to tourist areas in Istanbul and the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, after Israel warned of “imminent risks” of attacks a day earlier.