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Kurdish Freedom Falcons Militant Group Claims Responsibility for Istanbul Attack

© REUTERS / Murad SezerPolice arrive at the site of an explosion in central Istanbul, Turkey, December 10, 2016
Police arrive at the site of an explosion in central Istanbul, Turkey, December 10, 2016 - Sputnik International
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According to a statement published on the group's website, TAK, or the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons, have claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Istanbul.

The statement called the attack an "act of vengeance."

The Kurdistan Freedom Fighters is an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey considers both groups to be terrorist organizations.

On Saturday night, two bombs exploded at a short interval near the Vodafone Arena Stadium killing 38 people.

"Unfortunately, the number of our citizens who died in the terrorist attack in Istanbul has reached 38 people, of which 30 are police officers. A total of 155 people are still being treated in hospitals," Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said in a statement.

Tensions between Ankara and Turkish Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed over a series of terrorist attacks, allegedly committed by PKK members.

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