This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jun/29/istanbul-ataturk-turkey-airport-attack-explosions-rolling-report-updates
The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 10 | Version 11 |
|---|---|
| Istanbul airport attack: Turkish PM says Isis behind explosions that killed at least 36 – latest updates | Istanbul airport attack: Turkish PM says Isis behind explosions that killed at least 36 – latest updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 6.33am BST | |
| 06:33 | |
| Flights in and out of Atatürk international airport resumed very quickly after the attack, although investigators continue to work at the scene. | |
| Flights between Istanbul and the US was halted for several hours, but the stoppage has now been lifted, according to a US official speaking to Associated Press. | |
| Ten flights that were in the air heading from Turkey to the US at the time of the attacks have all now landed. | |
| Reports from the Dogan news agency, via AP, say that a plane carrying the Albanian prime minister, Edi Rama, was landing at Atatürk at the time of the attack. | |
| Rama, who is on an official visit, has been moved to an official residence, the report said, and will travel later to Ankara. | |
| 6.25am BST | |
| 06:25 | |
| Brussels airport, which witnessed its own devastating attack in March, has sent its support and condolences: | |
| Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport. We wish them, their relatives & all airport staff strength & courage. | |
| 6.18am BST | |
| 06:18 | |
| Claire Phipps | |
| This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog from Ben Doherty. | |
| The past year has seen a grim toll of suicide attacks in Turkey – many, but not all, attributed to Isis. | |
| Timeline is via Associated Press. | |
| 6.04am BST | 6.04am BST |
| 06:04 | 06:04 |
| Turkey terror attack: summary | |
| Ben Doherty | |
| Gunmen armed with kalashnikovs and and suicide vests, stormed the entrance to Istanbul’s Atatürk airport shortly after 9pm on Tuesday, killing 36 people and injuring 147. | |
| Turkey’s prime minister has said the attack was carried out by agents of Daesh -using the Arabic term for Isis - but the terror network has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. | |
| At least two gunmen were involved in the assault, but authorities suspect a third man was also involved. The men caught a taxi to the airport, emerging at the international arrivals terminal where they opened fire. | At least two gunmen were involved in the assault, but authorities suspect a third man was also involved. The men caught a taxi to the airport, emerging at the international arrivals terminal where they opened fire. |
| South African tourist Paul Roos described seeing a gunman shooting at at people indiscriminately. | South African tourist Paul Roos described seeing a gunman shooting at at people indiscriminately. |
| We came right to international departures and saw the man randomly shooting. He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. | We came right to international departures and saw the man randomly shooting. 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 away from him. | He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres away from him. |
| We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. | 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. He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. | By that time he had stopped shooting. He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. |
| He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator... we heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over. | He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator... we heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over. |
| Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos at Istanbul Airport. #Istanbul #istanbulataturkairport pic.twitter.com/JyoxlbSpC2 | Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos at Istanbul Airport. #Istanbul #istanbulataturkairport pic.twitter.com/JyoxlbSpC2 |
| The terrorists were unable to get past the airport’s x-ray security checkpoint, and became involved in a firefight with security and police. | The terrorists were unable to get past the airport’s x-ray security checkpoint, and became involved in a firefight with security and police. |
| Several video clips circulating online purport to show the gunmen attacking the airport. | Several video clips circulating online purport to show the gunmen attacking the airport. |
| Because of their graphic nature, The Guardian has chosen not to show these, and stresses they have not been verified or corroborated. Sources, however, have told The Guardian that the clips seem authentic. | |
| One graphic piece of footage shows people fleeing a man dressed in black and carrying what appears to be a Kalashnikov, who runs into a hall area, before falling, apparently shot, and dropping his weapon, which slides away from him on the floor. | One graphic piece of footage shows people fleeing a man dressed in black and carrying what appears to be a Kalashnikov, who runs into a hall area, before falling, apparently shot, and dropping his weapon, which slides away from him on the floor. |
| A man, believed to be a policeman or security official, approaches the prone gunman, appearing to point a gun at him for several seconds. The standing man then runs from the prone bomber who, after several seconds, detonates the explosive vest he is wearing. | A man, believed to be a policeman or security official, approaches the prone gunman, appearing to point a gun at him for several seconds. The standing man then runs from the prone bomber who, after several seconds, detonates the explosive vest he is wearing. |
| The attack on Turkey’s largest airport, and the third-busiest in Europe, is yet another ‘soft’ target attack, following on from the attack on Brussels airport in March which killed 32 people and injured more than 300. | The attack on Turkey’s largest airport, and the third-busiest in Europe, is yet another ‘soft’ target attack, following on from the attack on Brussels airport in March which killed 32 people and injured more than 300. |
| It is also the third attack on Turkey’s biggest city this year. | It is also the third attack on Turkey’s biggest city this year. |
| Istanbul has been on a high security alert for months after three deadly attacks in the city blamed on Islamic State jihadis and the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks, a radical offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party. Less than a month ago a car suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded several others in the central Istanbul district of Vezneciler. | Istanbul has been on a high security alert for months after three deadly attacks in the city blamed on Islamic State jihadis and the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks, a radical offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party. Less than a month ago a car suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded several others in the central Istanbul district of Vezneciler. |
| In the aftermath of the attack, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the attack showed “the dark face of terror that targets innocent civilians”. | |
| “This attack does not produce any results, it aims to produce propaganda against our country using the blood and pain of innocent people”. | “This attack does not produce any results, it aims to produce propaganda against our country using the blood and pain of innocent people”. |
| Erdoğan urged the whole world to unite in the fight against terrorism. | |
| “Despite paying a heavy price, Turkey has the power, determination and capacity to continue the fight against terrorism until the end. Today’s attack targeted 79 million Turkish citizens along with 7.5 billion human beings around the world. The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world. | “Despite paying a heavy price, Turkey has the power, determination and capacity to continue the fight against terrorism until the end. Today’s attack targeted 79 million Turkish citizens along with 7.5 billion human beings around the world. The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world. |
| “Make no mistake: For terrorist organizations, there is no difference between Istanbul and London, Ankara and Berlin, Izmir and Chicago, or Antalya and Rome. Unless all governments and the entire[ty of] mankind join forces in the fight against terrorism, much worse things than what we fear to imagine today will come true.” | “Make no mistake: For terrorist organizations, there is no difference between Istanbul and London, Ankara and Berlin, Izmir and Chicago, or Antalya and Rome. Unless all governments and the entire[ty of] mankind join forces in the fight against terrorism, much worse things than what we fear to imagine today will come true.” |
| Speaking at the airport, Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim said: “our security force’s findings indicate that this terror attack was done by DAESH but we are still working to determine who is behind the attack”. | |
| Yildrim also said it was “noteworthy that this heinous terror attack took place at a time when [Turkey] successfully fights separatist terror and enters a period of normalisation with our neighbours”, an apparent reference to Turkey’s recent rapprochement with Israel and Russia. | Yildrim also said it was “noteworthy that this heinous terror attack took place at a time when [Turkey] successfully fights separatist terror and enters a period of normalisation with our neighbours”, an apparent reference to Turkey’s recent rapprochement with Israel and Russia. |
| Atatürk airport was closed for only a matter of hours before being reopened to flights in and out of the country. | |
| Updated | |
| at 6.28am BST | |
| 5.02am BST | 5.02am BST |
| 05:02 | 05:02 |
| Departures have resumed from Ataturk Airport | Departures have resumed from Ataturk Airport |
| Departures have now also resumed at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport. https://t.co/0TCt9XggHw pic.twitter.com/WhX0L3Odr6 | Departures have now also resumed at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport. https://t.co/0TCt9XggHw pic.twitter.com/WhX0L3Odr6 |
| 4.35am BST | 4.35am BST |
| 04:35 | 04:35 |
| People on flights that had flown out of Ataturk Airport just before the terror attacks watched coverage of the assault on live TV. | People on flights that had flown out of Ataturk Airport just before the terror attacks watched coverage of the assault on live TV. |
| Startled passengers who just got off a flight from #Istanbul share their reactions w/ @Chauncyontv The latest at 10https://t.co/31wIoM9YV7 | Startled passengers who just got off a flight from #Istanbul share their reactions w/ @Chauncyontv The latest at 10https://t.co/31wIoM9YV7 |
| 4.24am BST | 4.24am BST |
| 04:24 | 04:24 |
| The BBC’s Turkey correspondent, Mark Lowen, who was stuck with fellow passengers on a plane on the tarmac at Istanbul Airport for several hours, has been allowed off, and to go home. | The BBC’s Turkey correspondent, Mark Lowen, who was stuck with fellow passengers on a plane on the tarmac at Istanbul Airport for several hours, has been allowed off, and to go home. |
| Scene of attack at #Istanbul airport. I'm finally out and en route home. Thinking of all those who didn't make it pic.twitter.com/qSbyYTEAAG | Scene of attack at #Istanbul airport. I'm finally out and en route home. Thinking of all those who didn't make it pic.twitter.com/qSbyYTEAAG |
| 4.22am BST | 4.22am BST |
| 04:22 | 04:22 |
| Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport is open for flights in and out. Flights from IST have begun landing across the world. | Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport is open for flights in and out. Flights from IST have begun landing across the world. |
| Retweeted 11Alive News (@11AliveNews):EMOTIONAL REUNION: inbound flight from #Istanbul lands at @ATLAirport.... https://t.co/D7IdXwYhnp | Retweeted 11Alive News (@11AliveNews):EMOTIONAL REUNION: inbound flight from #Istanbul lands at @ATLAirport.... https://t.co/D7IdXwYhnp |
| 4.04am BST | 4.04am BST |
| 04:04 | 04:04 |
| According to the private Dogan news agency, a plane carrying Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was landing at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport when the attack occurred. He was arriving on an official visit. | According to the private Dogan news agency, a plane carrying Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was landing at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport when the attack occurred. He was arriving on an official visit. |
| The prime minister and his entourage were safely taken to an official residence. The group was to travel later on Wednesday to Turkey’s capital, Ankara. | The prime minister and his entourage were safely taken to an official residence. The group was to travel later on Wednesday to Turkey’s capital, Ankara. |
| 3.46am BST | 3.46am BST |
| 03:46 | 03:46 |
| From Istanbul, The Guardian’s Constanze Letsch reports that while Tuesday night’s attack on Ataturk Airport was the deadliest terror attack in Turkey this year, it was not the first. | From Istanbul, The Guardian’s Constanze Letsch reports that while Tuesday night’s attack on Ataturk Airport was the deadliest terror attack in Turkey this year, it was not the first. |
| Istanbul has been on a high security alert for months after three deadly attacks in the city this year blamed on Islamic State jihadis and the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), a radical offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK). Less than a month ago a car suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded several others in the central Istanbul district of Vezneciler. | Istanbul has been on a high security alert for months after three deadly attacks in the city this year blamed on Islamic State jihadis and the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), a radical offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK). Less than a month ago a car suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded several others in the central Istanbul district of Vezneciler. |
| Globally, terror attacks on the ‘soft’ target of airports are common, and increasingly so. Below is a list, not comprehensive, of the major attacks on airports over the past five years. | Globally, terror attacks on the ‘soft’ target of airports are common, and increasingly so. Below is a list, not comprehensive, of the major attacks on airports over the past five years. |
| June 26, 2016 - Three suspected Islamic State group suicide bombers targeted the international terminal of Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, killing at least 36 people and wounding many others, Turkish officials said. | June 26, 2016 - Three suspected Islamic State group suicide bombers targeted the international terminal of Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, killing at least 36 people and wounding many others, Turkish officials said. |
| June 12, 2016 - An explosion at a check-in-area of Shanghai’s main international airport injures four people. The blast at Pudong International Airport, China’s second-busiest, was carried out using fireworks stuffed inside empty beer bottles. | June 12, 2016 - An explosion at a check-in-area of Shanghai’s main international airport injures four people. The blast at Pudong International Airport, China’s second-busiest, was carried out using fireworks stuffed inside empty beer bottles. |
| March 22, 2016 - 16 people are killed in two suicide bombings as bombs ripped through check-in counters at Brussels Airport. The Islamic State group claims responsibility for the attack. A subsequent explosion at a Brussels subway station killed 16 more people. | March 22, 2016 - 16 people are killed in two suicide bombings as bombs ripped through check-in counters at Brussels Airport. The Islamic State group claims responsibility for the attack. A subsequent explosion at a Brussels subway station killed 16 more people. |
| March 7 2016 - A bomb explodes in a piece of luggage at an airport in a central Somali town, wounding three people. Somalia’s Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, claim responsibility for the blast. | March 7 2016 - A bomb explodes in a piece of luggage at an airport in a central Somali town, wounding three people. Somalia’s Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, claim responsibility for the blast. |
| December 28, 2015 - A suicide car bomb attack killed at least one civilian near the eastern entrance of the Kabul international airport. Another 13 civilians were wounded. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. | December 28, 2015 - A suicide car bomb attack killed at least one civilian near the eastern entrance of the Kabul international airport. Another 13 civilians were wounded. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. |
| March 21, 2015 - A machete-wielding man attacks TSA officers at New Orleans’ international airport and is shot and killed. Authorities later said he was carrying a bag loaded with Molotov cocktails. One of the TSA officers was slightly injured. | March 21, 2015 - A machete-wielding man attacks TSA officers at New Orleans’ international airport and is shot and killed. Authorities later said he was carrying a bag loaded with Molotov cocktails. One of the TSA officers was slightly injured. |
| July 18, 2012 - A bomb explodes on a bus carrying Israeli tourists at the airport in Burgas, Bulgaria, killing five of the tourists, the Bulgarian bus driver and the suicide bomber. Another 35 people are hurt. In 2014, Bulgaria’s interior minister says he is convinced the Shiite militant group Hezbollah was behind the bus bombing. | July 18, 2012 - A bomb explodes on a bus carrying Israeli tourists at the airport in Burgas, Bulgaria, killing five of the tourists, the Bulgarian bus driver and the suicide bomber. Another 35 people are hurt. In 2014, Bulgaria’s interior minister says he is convinced the Shiite militant group Hezbollah was behind the bus bombing. |
| February 27, 2012 - Suicide car bomber struck at the gates of Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan, killing nine people. The Taliban said the attack on the airport, which serves both civilian and international military aircraft, was revenge for the burning of Muslim holy books at an American military base. | February 27, 2012 - Suicide car bomber struck at the gates of Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan, killing nine people. The Taliban said the attack on the airport, which serves both civilian and international military aircraft, was revenge for the burning of Muslim holy books at an American military base. |
| January 24, 2011 - Suicide bomber blew himself up in the international arrivals area of Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, killing 37 people and wounded 180 others and was claimed by Chechen rebels. Russia’s Federal Investigative Committee later identified the suicide bomber as a 20-year-old from the North Caucasus region. | January 24, 2011 - Suicide bomber blew himself up in the international arrivals area of Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, killing 37 people and wounded 180 others and was claimed by Chechen rebels. Russia’s Federal Investigative Committee later identified the suicide bomber as a 20-year-old from the North Caucasus region. |
| (From Associated Press) | (From Associated Press) |
| 3.24am BST | 3.24am BST |
| 03:24 | 03:24 |
| Sympathy and solidarity with Turkey from all over the world... | Sympathy and solidarity with Turkey from all over the world... |
| The news about bombing attack at #Istanbul🇹🇷 airport is devastating. Our thoughts are with victims & their families. pic.twitter.com/24PWbpRhg9 | The news about bombing attack at #Istanbul🇹🇷 airport is devastating. Our thoughts are with victims & their families. pic.twitter.com/24PWbpRhg9 |
| Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport. √ STOP TERRORISM ! Pray for #istanbul pic.twitter.com/gnZIdks3Zx | Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport. √ STOP TERRORISM ! Pray for #istanbul pic.twitter.com/gnZIdks3Zx |
| My heart is with you #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/alBd9rXHTQ | My heart is with you #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/alBd9rXHTQ |
| 3 suicide bombers. 28 people are dead and 60 in hospitals. Terror has no nationality, race or religion. #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/ZoAMrdsmSA | 3 suicide bombers. 28 people are dead and 60 in hospitals. Terror has no nationality, race or religion. #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/ZoAMrdsmSA |