Turkey: High Death Toll Feared In Istanbul Blasts

Istanbul, 20 November 2003 (RFE/RL) -- A series of major blasts occured today at several places in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

Damage at the sites is reported heavy, and authorities fear a high death and injury toll. The BBC is reporting at least 15 dead and more than 100 injured.

Reports say between two and five blasts occurred. The British consul has been severly damaged, and casualties are reported there.

Also badly damaged were the offices of the London-based international HSBC bank.

Traffic in Istanbul has been brought to a halt by the confusion following the blasts. Television channels are showing pictures of bloodied people at the sites and people running around in shock.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts. The latest bombings come after 15 November attacks on two synagogues in Istanbul, killing up to 25 people.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that Turkey would not "bow to terror."

Turkish Anatolian news agency quoted Gul, who is on a visit to Sweden, as saying that the explosions appeared to be linked. "Everyone must know that we will not give up to terrorism," Gul said.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in London that today's attacks on Britain's consulate, HSBC bank offices, and other targets in Istanbul bore all the hallmarks of Al-Qaeda.

"What has happened in Istanbul this morning are clearly appalling acts of terrorism. We still, obviously, do not have complete details, by any means, but it appears...[the] bomb blasts [were] coordinated."

Straw said Britain was checking on several of its consulate employees who might have been affected by the attack.

The United Sates is following closely the situation in Istanbul, said a White House spokesman who is accompanying the U.S. President George W. Bush on a state visit to Britain.

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Turkey: High Death Toll Feared In Istanbul Blasts