Three suicide bombers attacked Istanbul Ataturk Airport late Tuesday evening, killing at least 41 people and wounding 239 others, Turkish authorities said. Initial government assessments suggest the self-described Islamic State was responsible, Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters. Here is a summary of the main events:
41 people were killed and 239 wounded in a gun and bombing attack on the Ataturk international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night.
13 of the 41 dead are foreign nationals, including five from Saudi Arabia, two from Iraq, and one each from Tunisia, Uzbekistan, China, Iran, Ukraine and Jordan. The Palestinian ambassador to Turkey has also said a Palestinian woman was killed.
Authorities believe three men armed with Kalashnikov rifles attacked the airport, detonating suicide vests when confronted by police officers.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Turkey’s prime minister, Binali Yildirim, has said the attack was carried out by Daesh (Islamic State).
Yildirim said the men caught a taxi to the airport, launching their assault at the international arrivals terminal.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the attack showed “the dark face of terror that targets innocent civilians”
Atatürk airport has reopened, with incoming and outgoing flights – which were halted in the immediate aftermath of the attack – operating this morning, although many are cancelled or delayed.
Foreign ministers from around the world, including Russia and Israel – two countries previously at odds with Turkey – have offered their condolences and support.
Thanks for taking your time to check out this information. Love to hear what YOU think in the comments section below! If you find that you liked this story, don’t forget to hit the “RECOMMEND CONTRIBUTOR” and “RECOMMEND STORY” button at the top of the page it means a LOT!
If you enjoyed this, consider sharing it with others.