The PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies, has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s.
Regularly targeted by Turkish military operations, the group is also at the heart of a tussle between Sweden and Turkey, which has been blocking Stockholm's entry into NATO since May, accusing it of leniency towards the PKK.
Turkish minister accuses Kurdish PKK over Istanbul bombing
Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu accused the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Monday of causing the bomb attack that killed at least six people in a busy Istanbul shopping thoroughfare.
"According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible," Soylu said, announcing the arrest of a suspect accused of planting the bomb. (AFP)
Person responsible for Istanbul bombing arrested
Istanbul attacker appears to be woman: Turkey's vice president
'Suicide bomber' carried out Istanbul attack: Turkey's vice president
(AFP)
Members of the crime scene investigation police (C) work as Turkish policemen secure the area after a strong explosion of unknown origin shook the busy shopping street of Istiklal inIstanbul, on November 13, 2022. Credit: AFP Photo
Istanbul 'attack' blast kills six; dozens injured
An explosion tore through a busy Istanbul shopping street on Sunday, killing six and wounding dozens in what Turkey's president said bore the signs of a "terror" attack.
Police cordoned off an area around Istiklal, where there were dense crowds on Sunday afternoon, and helicopters flew over the city centre as sirens sounded.