UN head ‘strongly condemns’ deadly terror attack in Istanbul

By Merve Aydogan

BALI, Indonesia (AA) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday “strongly condemned” the terrorist attack in Istanbul that left six people dead and 81 others injured.

In a statement, the UN head extended his “heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, as well as the Government and people of the Republic of Türkiye.”

“The Secretary-General wishes a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured,” the statement added.

The Turkish government said Sunday’s attack in the crowded Istiklal Avenue was carried out by the YPG/ PKK terrorist organization.

Turkish police arrested the perpetrator of the attack, Ahlam Albashir, a Syrian woman who left the explosives in the crowded commercial hub, in a pre-dawn raid, while dozens of other suspects were detained.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the terror group’s Syrian offshoot.