Two Israeli-American citizens among killed in Istanbul attack, US says

ISTANBUL

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Two Israeli citizens who were killed in a suicide attack in Istanbul on March 19 also held American citizenship, the White House has said in a statement.

“Two American citizens were among those killed in this heinous attack,” a statement issued by the National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said, while condemning the attack which killed five, including the suicide bomber, and wounded 39 others in central Istanbul, on the busy İstiklal Avenue in Taksim.

The U.S. Department of State has also strongly condemned the attack.

“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack today on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and our hopes for a quick recovery for those wounded. We will remain in close touch with Turkish authorities during the investigation,” U.S. State spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement, showing solidarity with their NATO ally in fighting terrorism.

All victims of the attack besides the attacker were foreign nationals: Israeli citizens Simha Siman Demri, Yonathan Suher, Avraham Godman and Iranian citizen Ali Rıza. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed that at least two Israeli citizens were killed in the attack, according to a statement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, while 11 Israelis were wounded.