Renowned as the world’s 11th busiest airport, Istanbul Ataturk Airport had a coordinated terror attack blamed on ISIS left dozens dead, scores wounded and blood streaked throughout the arrivals hall.
Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said three terrorists had arrived in a cab and carried out the assault, opening fire and setting off at least two explosions.
A series of blood freezing videos captured the horror unfolding: Panicked passengers running with their luggage, an orange ball of fire and what appeared to be one of the attackers falling to the ground then exploding.
Istanbul’s governor said Wednesday that the death toll had climbed to 41 — including at least 10 foreigners and 3 dual nationals. More than 230 were injured though 109 have already been released from hospitals, the governor added in a statement.
President Tayyip Erdogan said the “heinous attack” during the holy month of Ramadan should serve as a warning to other nations that terrorism knows no borders.
“The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city,” he said in a statement. “Make no mistake: For terrorist organizations, there is no difference between Istanbul and London, Ankara and Berlin, Izmir and Chicago.”
President Barack Obama called Erdogan Wednesday to offer condolences, the White House said.
The White House will offer “any support that the Turks can benefit from as they conduct this investigation and take steps to further strengthen the security situation in their country,” spokesman Josh Earnest said. As a national mourning day is declared, further investigations are still continuing. Some flights have now resumed at the airport, including the lifting of a blanket ban on all flights to and from the US. The Turkish news agency Dogan reported that the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, was landing at the airport for an official visit when the attack took place. He was taken away to an official residence.
Details are still emerging about the nationalities of those killed and injured. Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Turkey says at least seven Saudis were injured and all are in a stable condition.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the “terrorist attack” at Istanbu’s Ataturkl airport and is calling for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
The Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, has also condemned the bombing. He wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at Istanbul’s airport. We condemn these atrocious acts of violence.”
Mayor Khan expressed his condolences
On Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote to Ambassador Abdurrahman Bilgiç to express his condolences following the attacks in Istanbul.
In his message, Khan says “Please know that, as ever, London stands with Istanbul and the people of Turkey” by also mentioning any help requests would be welcome.
