Turkey continues to be the target of terrorist violence. Today its third-largest city, Izmir, was rocked by the crackle of gunfire and explosions in the late afternoon. Early reports suggest that the blast was caused by a car bomb that was detonated outside a courthouse in the port city’s Bayrakli area.
Two alleged assailants were killed in the ensuing gun battle with police. Another was said to have fled the scene. One policeman and a court employee were reported to have been killed and at least 10 others wounded in the attack.