Steinmeier: eight German citizens were killed in terrorist attack in Istanbul – RIA Novosti

© REUTERS / Osman Orsal

BERLIN, January 12 – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Firsova.
eight citizens of Germany, according to preliminary data provided by the Turkish authorities, were killed in the terrorist attack in Istanbul, said Tuesday German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

© REUTERS / Murad Sezer

“According to the data, is still available to the Turkish authorities, eight are among the victims of a devastating terrorist attack, nine Germans were wounded, including difficult”, – the minister said to journalists on Tuesday. He said that German diplomats are currently at the scene trying to find out the details and the details of the incident, as well as clarify the findings.

The Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and friends wishing them strength and courage.

“For many years, the terror did not approach us as close as it is today in Istanbul, but it was clear that the cancer swelling of terrorism threatens us all equally – in Turkey, in Europe and in other regions “, – said Steinmeier. According to him, Germany will not allow themselves to be intimidated, but will on the contrary, with even greater force to fight against terrorism with the foreign partners of Germany.

A powerful bomb exploded Tuesday morning near the Sultanahmet Square, next to the tram stop at the moment when there was a group of tourists. According to authorities, at least ten people were killed and 15 wounded, the majority of victims – foreigners. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that the explosion made a suicide bomber from Syria. The Turkish authorities have banned the publication in the media of the attack in Istanbul.

© Ruptly

The first images from the scene of the explosion near the Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul