Turkish Interior Minister: Bomber suspected of having ISIS links

Speaking at a press conference on the terror attack, Ala said the bomber has been identified as Mehmet Ozturk, 24, born in the southeastern Turkish province of Gaziantep.

“The evidence at hand shows that he is connected to the Daesh terrorist organization. We are still considering with great sensitivity other connections or forces behind this. The fight against terror will continue” said Ala, using another name for ISIS.

He said that security forces had said there had been no previous warrants issued for the bomber. Five others had been detained in relation to the attack, he said.

The explosion on Saturday killed five people, including the suicide bomber, and injured 39 others. Of the injured, 24 are foreigners, according to Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin.

Ala also said that five people had been held so far in connection with the terror attack.

“Fighting against terror will continue resolutely and without any hesitation,” he added.

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