An explosion at İstiklal Caddesi in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday afternoon local time, killed at least 6 people and injured 81. Taiwan’s foreign ministry reports that no Taiwanese have been hurt and that they will continue to monitor the situation.
The explosion at this popular tourist attraction is still under investigation. But Vice-President Fuat Oktay says the blast is thought to be a terrorist attack carried out by a woman, who is now in custody.
The foreign ministry’s director of the Department of Asian and African Affairs Anthony Chung-yi Ho (賀忠義) expressed sincere condolences on behalf of Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮). He conveyed his sympathies to Muhammed Berdibek, the Turkish representative to Taiwan, the families of the deceased, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The foreign ministry says that in addition to monitoring relevant developments, it also asks Taiwanese living in Turkey to be especially vigilant. Residents and travelers should pay attention to the local security situation and avoid going to dangerous areas. If Taiwanese in Turkey need emergency assistance, they are asked to call the emergency contact number of the representative office (+90-532-322-7162). The emergency contact center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at (+886 800-085-095) is also available.