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Istanbul airport attack kills 36, Islamic State suspected

by IBNS 29 Jun 2016, 10:38 am

Istanbul, June 29 (IBNS): After Brussels, a busy airport in Istanbul became the newest target of the terrorists as three suicide bombers suspected to be Islamic State members, killed 36 people and wounded nearly 150 late on Tuesday in Turkey's Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul before blowing themselves up, officials said.

Reports said there were screams as the terrorists fired and bombed in one of the busiest airports of the world and third busiest in Europe.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım confirming the toll at 36 has said militant group ISIS is suspected to be behind the attack.

The prime minister was quoted as saying that three attackers arrived in the airport on a taxi cab and also used guns during the attack.

He said the three men exploded themselves, adding "this attack, targeting innocent people is a vile, planned terrorist act." The terrorists opened fire in the departures hall too as people ran for cover. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi  condemned the suicide attack calling it ' inhuman & horrific'.

Condemning the attack, Modi tweeted, "Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly."

Faced with terrorism on its soil, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should be seen as a turning point in the global fight against terrorism.

"The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world," he said, quoted BBC.
 
Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at Istanbul's airport. We condemn these atrocious acts of violence."

The White House issued a statement which said: "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."

"Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured. We remain steadfast in our support for Turkey, our NATO ally and partner, along with all of our friends and allies around the world, as we continue to confront the threat of terrorism."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned  Tuesday’s terrorist attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, according to his spokesperson.

“He expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Turkey. He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Ban’s spokesperson added in a statement. “The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice.”

NATO Secretary General Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned the terrorist attack.

"I strongly condemn the horrific attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, those injured and the people of Turkey," he said in a statement.

"There can be no justification for terrorism. NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Turkey, united in our determination to fight terrorism in all its forms," he said.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949. Turkey is a member of NATO.