Bomb on Busy Istanbul Street Kills Six, Injures Dozens
A bomb has killed six people and injured several dozens on Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue — a popular street among both locals and tourists with many restaurants and shops.
The attack took place on Sunday, November 13. Videos shared online show pedestrians on the busy street running from a sudden loud bang and a flash.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said of the 81 people who were hospitalized by the attack, 57 have been sent home. However, six were in intensive care, with two of them in critical condition, he said.
The six people who were killed in the explosion were members of three families and included children ages 9 and 15. Authorities said that a government ministry worker and his daughter were among the victims.
The attack was a shocking reminder of a series of deadly bombings that took place in Turkey between 2015 and 2017 — some by the Islamic State group, others by Kurdish militants who seek increased autonomy or independence.
These attacks left more than 500 civilians and security personnel dead. In response, Turkey began military operations in Syria and northern Iraq against Kurdish militants, and also cracked down on Kurdish politicians, journalists and activists at home.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the latest blast a "treacherous attack" and said those responsible would be punished.
Police announced on November 14 that they had detained a woman with suspected links to Kurdish militants for the attack and that she confessed to placing the bomb. She has been named as Syrian citizen Ahlam Albashir. At least 46 others were also detained for questioning.
Police said the woman told them that she had been trained as a "special intelligence officer" by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), as well as the Syrian Kurdish group the Democratic Union Party.
PKK has been fighting the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, the European Union and many other countries.
However, PKK has denied involvement in the Istiklal attack, claiming in a statement that it would not directly target civilians.
1. What are your thoughts on the bombing attack in Istanbul?
2. What do you think motivates people to join terrorist groups?
3. What nations or organizations do you think represent the biggest threat to global security?
4. What do you think is the likelihood of a terror attack happening in your country?
5. Do you expect the number of terrorist attacks around the world to increase or decrease over the next few decades?
6. Are any of your friends or family interested in international affairs?
7. Are there any international conflicts that you follow closely?
8. Do you think the world has become safer or more dangerous over your lifetime?
9. Have you ever felt unsafe in a foreign country?
10. In your opinion, what are the safest countries in the world?