Explosion in Istanbul, Turkey
On June 28, 2016 around 10 p.m. local time, gunfire and two explosions were heard at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, causing a number of casualties, officials and witnesses say. Reports currently indicate that there are at least 40 people wounded, but details are limited at this time.
June 7, 2016 - Bombing in Istanbul, Turkey
On June 7, 2016, our global security partners, UHC Global reported that a bomb-laden parked vehicle exploded during the morning rush hour in Istanbul’s Beyazit area, located on the European side of the city. The explosion occurred as a police vehicle passed the area. The most recent reports state that the blast killed at least 11 people, including seven police officers, and wounded 36 others. The explosion also caused significant damage to vehicles and shops within the blast radius. Other locations of note in the area include the Vezneciler metro station, Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the target and modus operandi are in line with past Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) attacks.
All ISEP students are safe and accounted for.
However, for additional emergency resources, we urge all ISEP students to:
- Follow any instructions given by your host institutions, embassy, local law enforcement and media.
- Speak with your ISEP Program Officer, if you do not feel safe and let us know your situation.
- Contact our global security partners, UHC Global, for help.
We strongly urge all ISEP students studying in or traveling throughout Turkey to avoid the area to the extent possible. In the past, terrorist attacks have inspired demonstrations, and such gatherings should also be avoided as a precaution.
In conjunction with our global security partners, UHC Global, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide students and members with any necessary updates. We recommend following #ISEPAlerts on the @ISEPStudyAbroad Twitter feed for real-time updates.
Our hearts go out to all affected by these attacks.