A shock explosion in Istanbul has resulted in the death of at least 10 people, with 15 injured.

Turkish authorities believe the incident, which took place in Sultanahmet square on Tuesday 12 January, was an attack by a suicide bomber thought to have recently entered the country from Syria.

A popular tourist destination with sites such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in the vicinity, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that all those killed were foreigners, nine of which have been confirmed to be German.

Following the deadly attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the 8th Ambassadors’ Conference in Ankara, addressing the country’s struggle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“Is there any other country that struggles against the terrorist organisation named Daesh [ISIL] in a more determined way than we do and which has paid a higher price [for this]?” he asked, taking the opportunity to reiterate Turkey’s stance against terrorism.

“This incident has once again shown that as a nation we should act as one heart, one body in the fight against terror. Turkey’s determined and principled stance in the fight against terrorism will continue to the end,” said the President, calling upon the international community, namely fellow European nations, to continue and persevere with the fight against terrorist organisations.

In a show of support, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official statement on its website condemning the attack.

“We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide attack that took place this morning in Istanbul,” the statement said, adding that Greece stands in solidarity with the Turkish people.

The incident has brought back terrible memories from just over 12 months ago, when a suicide bomber targeted a tourist police station near the same square.

Ali Ibrahim Peltek, a kiosk operator at the square had the misfortune of being present for both attacks.

“Ambulances started rushing in and I knew it was a bomb right away because the same thing happened here last year,” he said.

“This is not good for Turkey but everyone was expecting a terrorist attack.”

According to officials, people are bring encouraged to stay out of the area, with tourist sites including the Hagia Sophia and nearby Basilica Cistern closed on the governor’s orders.

“We’re taking precautions against a second explosion,” said a police officer.

Source: BBC World, Hurriyet Daily News, Sydney Morning Herald