Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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                    Explosion Hits Historic Istanbul Square

   by VOA News

   Turkish media said an explosion Tuesday hit a historic district in
   central Istanbul, causing casualties.

   The cause of the blast and the extent of the casualties in the
   Sultanahmet area were not immediately clear.

   Turkey has been on alert for attacks since an October double suicide
   bombing killed more than 100 people at a gathering of peace activists
   outside a train station in the capital, Ankara.

   The government cancelled planned New Year's celebrations in Ankara
   after detaining two suspected Islamic State members believed to be
   planning suicide attacks.

   Turkish forces have also been carrying out an offensive against the
   outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, which has been blamed for attacks
   including those targeting police and soldiers.

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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/explosion-hits-istanbul-square/314124
   8.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/explosion-hits-istanbul-square/3141248.html