At Least 15 Wounded In Istanbul Explosion

A suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in Istanbul's main Taksim square, wounding 15 people.

The Turkish city's police chief Huseyin Capkin said nine police officers and six passers-by were injured in the attack on October 31.

At least two of the injured are in serious condition.

Reports said the explosion occurred close to a spot on the square where riot police were gathered in case of demonstrations.

Turkish NTV television said a body, believed to be that of the suicide bomber, was lying near the site of the explosion, covered over with newspapers.

There's no word on who was responsible for the bomb, but Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy in Turkey's southeast have carried out suicide bombings in the past.

Islamic militants, also active in Istanbul, have launched attacks in past years.

compiled from agency reports

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty © 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.