Large explosion hits Diyarbakir near police HQ in southeast Turkey

Published April 11th, 2017 - 10:30 GMT
A plume of smoke could be seen in Diyarbakir following the blast. (Twitter)
A plume of smoke could be seen in Diyarbakir following the blast. (Twitter)

A strong blast Tuesday hit the Kurdish-majority of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey, apparently targeting riot police headquarters, AFP reported.

The explosion could be heard from several points throughout the city, according to witnesses in Diyarbakir.

Medics on the scene said at least four people were injured, with no fatalities reported so far.

The blast comes just days before a decisive referendum that will see the country of 80 million voting on whether to institute a presidential constitution, giving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers.

Turkey's military has been engaged in large-scale operations against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets in Kurdish towns throughout the southeast, but has drawn international criticism for its use of force against civilians. 

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