Bomb attack hits shopping street in Istanbul, 5 killed

At least five people have been killed after a massive bomb explosion rocked a crowded shopping district in the Turkish city of Istanbul, according to media reports.

The blast took place on Saturday when a bomber detonated his explosives on Istiklal street in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district.

The street, which adjoins Taksim Square, is also home to cafes, restaurants and foreign consulate buildings.

Reports say the attacker is among those killed.

‘Ugly face of terror’

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Istanbul, roundly condemned the terror attack, which he said, shows “the ugly face of terrorism.”