Expressing solidarity with Turkey, US State dept condemns Istanbul terrorist attack

Expressing solidarity with Turkey against terrorism, the US State Department denounced Sunday's terrorist attack in Istanbul's central Taksim Square, which injured 17 civilians and 15 police officers. "The United States condemns today's terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, which brutally targeted innocent civilians in one of the city's busiest squares," a State Department statement said. Stressing that the people of the US stand with their friends in Turkey in the face of this "shocking crime," the statement added, "We hope to see the perpetrators brought to swift justice and stand ready to offer any assistance and support. The United States will continue to work with Turkey to combat violent extremism and to safeguard the security of peace-loving people everywhere." Today the thoughts and prayers of the US are with the wounded and all the people of Turkey, it added.