By Ejaz Khan

Emre Rende spoke to Radio Islam about the Istanbul attacks live from Istanbul, Turkey…

On where it took place?
“The attack took place in the city Beyazid neighborhood, at Vezneciler.
It is Significant because it is both in the historic and is a Major transport and administrative Hub.”

On the location of the blast?
“The main municipality is located there, it is Centrally positioned…
600 metres from Fateh Mosque
600 metres from Süleymaniye (Blue Mosque)

1.5 kilometres from the Grand Bazaar
Strategic and historic targets”

On the dead and injured?
“Death tolls stands at 11 killed and 36 injured.
Of the dead, 6 are police officers and 5 are civilians.
2 people in critical condition”

On who could be responsible?
“No group has claimed responsibly YET
4 people detained yesterday , no names and nationalities given.
All eyes on ISIL, PKK or its splinter group Kurdistan Freedom Falcons
This doesn’t look like a DAESH attack.
Here the target was police van, some have said more likely of the PKK or its splinter group.”

What impact on Istanbul?
“It really hasn’t been ‘Life as Normal’ for quite some time already.
Tourism has dropped significantly, this time of year usually you have que’s to get into the tourist spots, city been affected by lack of tourist
Taksim Square and Sultan Ahmet , Turks and foreigners alike afraid to visit fearing becoming the next target.
Doesn’t look like it’s going to calm down soon, unfortunately.”

On military and police presence in the area?
“No Military on streets but heightened security at tourist sites.
Intelligence gathering needs to be improved.
Not Boots on the street. Turks needs a return to normalcy, and soon.
215 people have lost their lives in Bomb attacks across Turkey in the past year.”