ISTANBUL - A US woman who had been missing in Turkey's Istanbul for days was found dead, local daily Hurriyet reported Saturday.

The woman, identified as Sarai Sierra, a 33-year-old mother of two, went missing while vacationing alone in Istanbul. Her family last heard from her on January 21, the day she was supposed to return.

The body, which was sent to hospital, was reportedly killed by knife. Private broadcaster NTV claimed that police found Sierra's driving license next to the body.

Senior police sources said that the woman may have died from a stab wound on her abdomen and confirmed that at least 10 people have been detained at the crime scene.