The explosion near the courthouse in Izmir was caused by a car bomb, the secretary general of the city municipality Bugra Gokce confirmed to the CNN Turk.
CCTV of the explosion of a car bomb in the parking lot of a courthouse in Izmir #Turkey pic.twitter.com/bpX1SfumA0
— Michael Horowitz (@michaelh992) January 5, 2017
Earlier, it was reported that two cars exploded near the courthouse in the third most populated city in Turkey.
#BREAKING: 2 Cars exploded near the courthouse in #Izmir #Turkey pic.twitter.com/a84Kexsmj1
— chill (@chiIIinois) January 5, 2017
Immediately after blast, eyewitnesses reported a gunfire was heard at the scene.
Explosion reported in western Turkish city of İzmir followed by gunfire pic.twitter.com/uniDORwMZJ
— Gilgo (@agirecudi) January 5, 2017
According to the Hurriyet Daily News reports, two militants entered in an armed clash with police after the explosion. Two terrorists, who organized the blast, were killed by Turkish police.
The police are currently searching for the third terrorist responsible for the attack.
#Breaking #izmir blast…pic.twitter.com/VuvCVI4t72
— MirlivaMKA (@MirlivaMKA) January 5, 2017
Ambulances were sent at the scene. District Mayor Hasan Karadag told NTV television that at least 10 people were injured, one of the wounded was in serious condition.
Sirens can be heard as ambulances are rushing to the scene in Izmir #Turkey pic.twitter.com/ahrNagWAGK
— Michael Horowitz (@michaelh992) January 5, 2017
The explosion occurred just a day after Turkish police detained 27 people in connection with the Istanbul nightclub attack who are suspected of having links with Daesh.
At least 11 injured in #Izmir attack, 2 attackers killed, 1 is at large.
— ilhan tanir (@WashingtonPoint) January 5, 2017
Security of #Courthouse stopped VBIED entering, then clash began pic.twitter.com/bx3iTH3PvD
The Reina nightclub on Istanbul's European side was attacked during New Year's Eve celebrations by a man who, according to witnesses, was talking in Arabic. The attacker is said to have opened fire from a Kalashnikov assault rifle.
At least 39 people were killed, including more than 20 foreigners, and almost 70 were injured as a result of the attack. A manhunt is underway. The Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in many countries, including Russia, has taken responsibility for the attack.
