Death Toll from Istanbul Explosions Rises to 38

Two explosions occurred near a stadium in Istanbul late on Saturday night, December 20, after a football match, leaving 'at least 38 dead' and over 160 injured. The condition of several injured individuals is reported to be critical. According to Suleyman Soylu, Turkey's Interior Minister, the death toll has risen to 38, of which 30 are police officers. He also stated that 166 people were injured in these explosions. The explosions took place near the 'Vodafone' stadium in 'Besiktas' after a football game. Suleyman Soylu reported that a car bomb, which 'targeted police officers,' exploded outside the stadium. The Turkish Interior Ministry had previously announced that a large number of riot police were injured in these explosions. Images and videos released from the explosions show ambulances and police forces moving through the streets surrounding the area. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the aim of the explosions, following the football match, was to 'increase the number of victims.' Turkish officials have described the explosions as 'terrorist attacks.' Mr. Erdogan himself said, 'Once again, here in Istanbul, we are witnessing the ugly face of terrorism that has trampled on any belief and morality.' Erdogan was present in Istanbul at the time of the explosions. Turkey has been the scene of deadly terrorist attacks and explosions in recent years; Turkish officials have in some cases blamed the group known as 'Islamic State' and in others the Kurdish militants 'PKK' for the attacks and explosions. Last summer, in attacks and explosions at Istanbul airport, which Turkish officials said were carried out by the 'Islamic State' group, 45 people were killed and hundreds more were injured. In October, dozens were also killed following two explosions in Ankara. The explosions and attacks in Turkey have also resulted in casualties among Iranian citizens.