ISTANBUL - A Kurdish militant group has claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 38 people outside an Istanbul stadium and wounded scores of others.

In a statement posted on its website, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons, or TAK, said two of their comrades had sacrificed their lives.

The Turkey-based group is an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

The TAK said Saturday's attack shortly after the conclusion of a soccer match was reprisal for violence in the southeast and the ongoing imprisonment of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.