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Follow live coverage of Istanbul's Ataturk airport terror attack: At least 36 people killed, scores wounded.
A triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport killed at least 36 people and left scores wounded, in the latest deadly strike to rock Turkey's biggest city.
The attackers began spraying bullets at airport guards at the terminal entrance and a shootout erupted before they blew themselves up one by one at around 10:00 pm (local time) yesterday, Turkish authorities said.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said today that early signs suggested the Islamic State group was behind a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul airport, as he announced the death toll in the attack had risen to 36.
"According to the most recent information, 36 people have lost their lives," Yildirim told journalists at the scene of the attack, adding that "the evidence points to Daesh", using another name for IS.
The premier added that there were "many injured", without giving a figure.
The prime minister added that the attackers had arrived at the airport by taxi. He ruled out any security failings at Ataturk, one of Europe's busiest air hubs.
Iran suspends all flights to Istanbul airport after attack
Iran said it had suspended all flights to Istanbul's main international airport on Wednesday after it was attacked by militants.
"Due to last night's explosion at Ataturk Airport ... all Iranian flights are suspended until their safety and security are guaranteed," Reza Jafarzadeh, director of the public relations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.
One Ukrainian and one Iranian citizen were among 36 people killed by three suicide bombers in an attack at Istanbul's main international airport .
Around 150 people were wounded in the attack and Saudi media reported that among those hurt were seven Saudis, who were in good condition. (Reuters)
Will ensure safety of Indian airports:
Civil Aviation Minister
Government is committed to ensure the safety of Indian airports and skies, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said as he expressed shock over the deadly terror attack at Istanbul airport.
"I am deeply shocked and agitated at the terror attack on Istanbul Airport. We stand with Turkey and its citizens in their loss & grief," Raju said in a tweet.
I am deeply shocked and agitated at the terror attack on Istanbul Airport. We stand with Turkey and its citizens in their loss & grief.
— Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 29, 2016
It's our commitment that we will continue to ensure safety and security of Indian airports and skies.
— Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 29, 2016
MEA on Istanbul attack
There has been no report so far of any Indian casualty in the terror attack at the international terminal of Turkey's Ataturk airport.
External Affairs Ministry also said that the Indian Consulate has been in touch been touch with Istanbul governorate and has given emergency contact numbers for Indians requiring assistance.
No reports so far of any Indian among the casualties, the ministry said.
Helpline for Indians
Terror attack at Istanbul Atatrk Airpt. Entry/Exit pts shut. Indians req assist, pls call +90-530-5671095/8258037/4123625/ #IndianEmbassyTR
— India in Istanbul (@CGI_Istanbul) June 28, 2016
You may also contact First Secretary, Embassy of India, Ankara at 05303142203 @CGI_Istanbul
— India in Turkey (@IndianEmbassyTR) June 28, 2016
UN chief calls for stepped-up cooperation in the fight against terrorism
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for stepped-up cooperation in the fight against terrorism, following an attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport.
"Ban condemns today's terrorist attack and expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Turkey," his spokesman said in a statement.
The UN chief "stands firmly by Turkey as it confronts this threat and stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism."
Condemning the terror attack the US and UN has called for stepped-up cooperation in fighting terrorism and has vowed "steadfast" support for Turkey.
"Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together," the White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said yesterday.
US President Barack Obama was briefed on the explosions by his Assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco.
Shocked & deeply saddened, says Rahul Gandhi
My prayers are with the families of the victims & the ppl of #Istanbul
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 29, 2016
PM Modi condemns attack
# Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.
Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 29, 2016
Witness says attacker randomly opened fire
1) Woman named Duygu, who was at passport control having just arrived from Germany, said she threw herself onto the floor with the sound of the explosion. Several witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly before the attacks.
"Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors," she said outside the airport.
2) Paul Roos, 77, described seeing one of the attackers "randomly shooting" in the departures hall.
"He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres (55 yards) away from him," said Roos, a South African returning to Cape Town with his wife after a holiday in southern Turkey.
"We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting," Roos told Reuters.
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