36 dead in Istanbul terror attack, Turkish PM says [UPDATED ]
Baku, June 29, AZERTAC
At least 36 victims and three suicide bombers were killed while scores of others were injured in a terror attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport, Turkey’s prime minister said Wednesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
Briefing the media, Binali Yildirim condemned the attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families while he confirmed that airport operations had resumed.
“Our airport has been reopened to flights as of 02.20 a.m. (2320GMT) and air traffic has returned to normal,” he said.
Even though there are strong indications that the Daesh terrorist group is responsible for the attack in which three suicide bombers are believed to have been involved, the prime minister said police are conducting ongoing investigations.
Asked whether an attacker may have escaped authorities in the chaos of the attack, Yildirim denied the claim but stressed that security officials are considering all possibilities.
“We have injured people. Many of our wounded have been lightly injured,” he said. “Some foreign nationals were also injured,” he added.
The attackers arrived at the airport by a taxi, according to Yildirim, but he said “there is no security gap at the airport.”
02:50
Baku, June 29, AZERTAC
Nearly 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a terror attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport, Gov. Vasip Sahin said early Wednesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
“According to initial report, at least 28 people were killed by three suicide bombers in the attack,” Sahin said.
He said that around 60 injured people were transferred to several hospitals where they are being treated.
“Entry and exit of passengers will be returned to normal rapidly and scheduled flights will be started as soon as possible,” he added.
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said an attacker opened fire using an AK-47 assault rifle at the international terminal before detonating a suicide bomb.
Bozdag said preliminary findings pointed to a terrorist group as responsible -- information he said needed further confirmation.
Separately, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the terror attack with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Hulusi Akar, Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace, according to presidential sources.
Police and medical teams are at the scene and access to and from the airport has been blocked.
Yildirim was briefed by Interior Minister Efkan Ala and Sahin and has ordered the formation of a crisis desk.
Huseyin Tombul, who witnessed that attack, said the explosion occurred while he was waiting at the airport’s arrivals Gate A.
He said after the explosion they were sheltered at the garage. "A second explosion happened at the Gate B. Four of my friends lost their lives. There are lots of wounded," he added.
00:31
Baku, June 29, AZERTAC
At least 10 people were killed and 20 injured in a terror attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Tuesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The minister said a terrorist opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle at the international terminal before detonating a suicide bomb.
Police and medical teams are at the scene and access to and from the airport has been blocked.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim was briefed by Interior Minister Efkan Ala and Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin and has ordered the formation of a crisis desk.
23:49
Baku, June 28, AZERTAC
At least two explosions have been reported at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, according to Russia Today. Several people have been wounded, according to Turkish media.
The blasts occurred in the airport’s International Arrivals Terminal.
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