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Istanbul airport attack: Isis behind deaths of at least 36, PM says – latest updates Istanbul airport attack: Isis behind deaths of at least 41, PM says – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
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Pope Francis has denounced the “brutal terrorist attack” at Istanbul’s airport and is calling for the killers behind it to change their ways.Pope Francis has denounced the “brutal terrorist attack” at Istanbul’s airport and is calling for the killers behind it to change their ways.
In a noontime blessing from his studio window, Francis said he was praying for the victims, their families “and the dear Turkish people.” He asked the entire piazza to pray in silence and then led the crowd in the Hail Mary prayer.In a noontime blessing from his studio window, Francis said he was praying for the victims, their families “and the dear Turkish people.” He asked the entire piazza to pray in silence and then led the crowd in the Hail Mary prayer.
He said: “May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent ones and support our efforts toward the path of peace.”He said: “May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent ones and support our efforts toward the path of peace.”
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Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
A full breakdown of the nationalities of those killed in the attacks has been released to Kareem Shaheen, the Guardian’s Middle East reporter, by a Turkish official.A full breakdown of the nationalities of those killed in the attacks has been released to Kareem Shaheen, the Guardian’s Middle East reporter, by a Turkish official.
According to the latest figures, there are 41 dead and 239 wounded, with 109 discharged from hospital. Among those killed are:According to the latest figures, there are 41 dead and 239 wounded, with 109 discharged from hospital. Among those killed are:
This means that 13 out of the 41 dead are foreign nationals. The rest are Turkish citizens.This means that 13 out of the 41 dead are foreign nationals. The rest are Turkish citizens.
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Ataturk airport death toll raised to 41Ataturk airport death toll raised to 41
The number of dead from last night’s coordinated terrorist attacks on Istanbul’s main airport has now risen to 41, according to the Associated Press.The number of dead from last night’s coordinated terrorist attacks on Istanbul’s main airport has now risen to 41, according to the Associated Press.
The agency cites an announcement from the governor of Istanbul that gives the new death toll. It is not clear what the reasons are for the increased death toll.The agency cites an announcement from the governor of Istanbul that gives the new death toll. It is not clear what the reasons are for the increased death toll.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.31am BSTat 11.31am BST
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Emma Graham-HarrisonEmma Graham-Harrison
Laurence Cameron, a journalist with British TV company intrepid, was travelling through Istanbul airport to the Turkish city of Izmir when the bombs went off. He told Guardian reporter Emma Graham-Harrison what happened after he departed from the flight and walked into the airport:Laurence Cameron, a journalist with British TV company intrepid, was travelling through Istanbul airport to the Turkish city of Izmir when the bombs went off. He told Guardian reporter Emma Graham-Harrison what happened after he departed from the flight and walked into the airport:
As I walked up the bridge to the airport, I heard the sound of panic. I kept going anyway, I wasn’t really thinking, and as I turned the corner into the main tunnel I saw a wave of people racing towards me in complete terror, babies screaming, an old man in a wheelchair stranded in the middle of the crowd. He had lost his friends.As I walked up the bridge to the airport, I heard the sound of panic. I kept going anyway, I wasn’t really thinking, and as I turned the corner into the main tunnel I saw a wave of people racing towards me in complete terror, babies screaming, an old man in a wheelchair stranded in the middle of the crowd. He had lost his friends.
People were shouting “bomb! bomb!”, “run! run!”, but there isn’t anywhere to run except back to the gates that you came from, so people were funnelled back towards the planes.People were shouting “bomb! bomb!”, “run! run!”, but there isn’t anywhere to run except back to the gates that you came from, so people were funnelled back towards the planes.
I kept on going towards the visa desks, but they were all deserted except for police patrolling with guns who ordered me back.I kept on going towards the visa desks, but they were all deserted except for police patrolling with guns who ordered me back.
Cameron said that after about 20 minutes wait, officials opened up the visa desks and allowed people to exit - checking their passports despite a scene of disarray.Cameron said that after about 20 minutes wait, officials opened up the visa desks and allowed people to exit - checking their passports despite a scene of disarray.
On the other side, in the baggage area, you could see where the bomb had gone off. There was dust everywhere, ceiling panels on the floor, shattered glass, blood and big piles of dusty luggage that had obviously been abandoned by people trying to escape.On the other side, in the baggage area, you could see where the bomb had gone off. There was dust everywhere, ceiling panels on the floor, shattered glass, blood and big piles of dusty luggage that had obviously been abandoned by people trying to escape.
You do think ‘shit, if our plane had landed half an hour earlier, that could have been my bag sitting there’. I saw a chap with a bloodied arm, and someone with a rag on his head, but nothing catastrophic, the worst injured people had probably been taken to hospital already.You do think ‘shit, if our plane had landed half an hour earlier, that could have been my bag sitting there’. I saw a chap with a bloodied arm, and someone with a rag on his head, but nothing catastrophic, the worst injured people had probably been taken to hospital already.
As we came out, we saw the impact of an even bigger bomb on our left, by the start of the taxi rank. There was blood smeared on the floor, sirens, at least seven ambulances. Panels at the side of the building had been blown off, the walls were shredded.As we came out, we saw the impact of an even bigger bomb on our left, by the start of the taxi rank. There was blood smeared on the floor, sirens, at least seven ambulances. Panels at the side of the building had been blown off, the walls were shredded.
The police kept pushing us along, until the cordon ended at a multi-storey car park, where they just left us in chaos.The police kept pushing us along, until the cordon ended at a multi-storey car park, where they just left us in chaos.
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Constanze LetschConstanze Letsch
The Guardian’s reporter in Istanbul, Constanze Letsch, has been speaking to people around the airport this morning.The Guardian’s reporter in Istanbul, Constanze Letsch, has been speaking to people around the airport this morning.
Engin Sürer, a taxi driver said he had driven away from the international terminal around 30 minutes before the explosions and said he was still shaken by the attack.Engin Sürer, a taxi driver said he had driven away from the international terminal around 30 minutes before the explosions and said he was still shaken by the attack.
I am not afraid to work, but of course I am nervous. I would have never thought that such an attack would be possible at the airport.I am not afraid to work, but of course I am nervous. I would have never thought that such an attack would be possible at the airport.
He said that he had not been able to reach all of his colleagues on duty at the airport at the time of the explosions, one of which occurred in proximity to a taxi stand outside the international terminal. At least one taxi driver working at the airport at the time, Mustafa Biyikli, has been confirmed dead this morning.He said that he had not been able to reach all of his colleagues on duty at the airport at the time of the explosions, one of which occurred in proximity to a taxi stand outside the international terminal. At least one taxi driver working at the airport at the time, Mustafa Biyikli, has been confirmed dead this morning.
Taxi driver Eftal Erdin, 55, said that he was angry after news circulated on social media saying that taxi drivers asked for much higher fees from people stranded at the airport after the attack. He said:Taxi driver Eftal Erdin, 55, said that he was angry after news circulated on social media saying that taxi drivers asked for much higher fees from people stranded at the airport after the attack. He said:
Many of our friends drove injured people to the surrounding hospitals for free. Those drivers have no shame, but we want the world to know that Turkey is not a bad place. These attackers want to bring tourism in Turkey to its knees, but we want to make sure that people know that we will not allow for that to happen.Many of our friends drove injured people to the surrounding hospitals for free. Those drivers have no shame, but we want the world to know that Turkey is not a bad place. These attackers want to bring tourism in Turkey to its knees, but we want to make sure that people know that we will not allow for that to happen.
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Turkish officials have said 13 foreign nationals were killed in the attack on Ataturk airport last night. The rest of the 36 victims were Turkish citizens.Turkish officials have said 13 foreign nationals were killed in the attack on Ataturk airport last night. The rest of the 36 victims were Turkish citizens.
An Iranian and a Ukrainian are among the victims who have been identified so far, officials said earlier. Nearly 150 people were wounded.An Iranian and a Ukrainian are among the victims who have been identified so far, officials said earlier. Nearly 150 people were wounded.
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A video posted on Twitter shows the moment one of the Ataturk airport attackers detonated his suicide bomb. The clip, which has no sound, begins with dozens of people milling around as normal. Then they suddenly all begin to run away from something. before a huge blast goes off around them, filling the air with smoke and debris.A video posted on Twitter shows the moment one of the Ataturk airport attackers detonated his suicide bomb. The clip, which has no sound, begins with dozens of people milling around as normal. Then they suddenly all begin to run away from something. before a huge blast goes off around them, filling the air with smoke and debris.
Atatürk Havalimanı'nda çekilen görüntülerde canlı bomba saldırısı öncesi insanların ters yöne koştuğu görülüyor. pic.twitter.com/PqPMWvPNreAtatürk Havalimanı'nda çekilen görüntülerde canlı bomba saldırısı öncesi insanların ters yöne koştuğu görülüyor. pic.twitter.com/PqPMWvPNre
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The prime minister of Albania, whose plane touched down at Ataturk airport minutes after the attacks that killed 36 and wounded 147, has tweeted his condolences to the victims and their families.The prime minister of Albania, whose plane touched down at Ataturk airport minutes after the attacks that killed 36 and wounded 147, has tweeted his condolences to the victims and their families.
Edi Rama said in a message on Twitter that he felt “deep pity for the lost innocent lives in that barbarous act of those who have neither God or hope nor a place among the people.”Edi Rama said in a message on Twitter that he felt “deep pity for the lost innocent lives in that barbarous act of those who have neither God or hope nor a place among the people.”
Rama is making an official visit to Turkey with his finance minister, Arben Ahmetaj, and a delegation. He said all of the planned meetings would go ahead.Rama is making an official visit to Turkey with his finance minister, Arben Ahmetaj, and a delegation. He said all of the planned meetings would go ahead.
Keqardhje e thelle per jetet e pafajshme te humbura ne kete tjeter akt barbar te atyre qe s'kane as Zot as shprese dhe as vend mes njerezve!Keqardhje e thelle per jetet e pafajshme te humbura ne kete tjeter akt barbar te atyre qe s'kane as Zot as shprese dhe as vend mes njerezve!
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Shares linked to Turkish tourism have fallen on Wednesday morning, as trading begins in London after the deadly attack at Istanbul’s main airport.Shares linked to Turkish tourism have fallen on Wednesday morning, as trading begins in London after the deadly attack at Istanbul’s main airport.
The attack is likely to further dent Turkey’s struggling tourism industry, which saw foreign visitors drop more than a third in May for its biggest fall in 22 years.The attack is likely to further dent Turkey’s struggling tourism industry, which saw foreign visitors drop more than a third in May for its biggest fall in 22 years.
Shares in airport operator TAV fell more than 3 percent while Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines fell 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent respectively. The Istanbul index lost 0.2 percent though the lira managed to rise 0.5 percent against the dollar.Shares in airport operator TAV fell more than 3 percent while Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines fell 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent respectively. The Istanbul index lost 0.2 percent though the lira managed to rise 0.5 percent against the dollar.
“On the economic side this will again raise concerns about the tourism sector which is struggling, partly due to security concerns and partly because of Russia,” said William Jackson at Capital Economics, referring to Russian sanctions on Turkey that damaged trade and tourism.“On the economic side this will again raise concerns about the tourism sector which is struggling, partly due to security concerns and partly because of Russia,” said William Jackson at Capital Economics, referring to Russian sanctions on Turkey that damaged trade and tourism.
“But the market impact overall is not that significant as there is a general improvement in investor sentiment and some of the Brexit turmoil seems to be fading a bit.”“But the market impact overall is not that significant as there is a general improvement in investor sentiment and some of the Brexit turmoil seems to be fading a bit.”
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Tom PhillipsTom Phillips
China has warned its citizens against travelling to Turkey following the airport attack in Istanbul, Tom Phillips reports.Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said the government was urging citizens “not to go to Turkey for the time being”. Chinese citizens already in the country should “step up precautions” to ensure their safety. Hong said no Chinese citizens were known to be among the victims. Beijing “condemns this terror attack in the strongest terms,” he added.China has warned its citizens against travelling to Turkey following the airport attack in Istanbul, Tom Phillips reports.Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said the government was urging citizens “not to go to Turkey for the time being”. Chinese citizens already in the country should “step up precautions” to ensure their safety. Hong said no Chinese citizens were known to be among the victims. Beijing “condemns this terror attack in the strongest terms,” he added.
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Will Carter, a British aid worker caught up in the attacks in Istanbul last night, gives his account of the ordeal.Will Carter, a British aid worker caught up in the attacks in Istanbul last night, gives his account of the ordeal.
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One Ukrainian and one Iranian are among the 36 people killed in the Ataturk airport attack, Reuters is quoting Turkish officials as saying.One Ukrainian and one Iranian are among the 36 people killed in the Ataturk airport attack, Reuters is quoting Turkish officials as saying.
It’s just a flash so far, we will bring you more information as it comes in. In the meantime, Iran has said it is suspending all flights to Ataturk.It’s just a flash so far, we will bring you more information as it comes in. In the meantime, Iran has said it is suspending all flights to Ataturk.
Reza Jafarzadeh, director of the public relations at Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told the Fars news agency that flights would be suspended until their safety and security can be guaranteed.Reza Jafarzadeh, director of the public relations at Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told the Fars news agency that flights would be suspended until their safety and security can be guaranteed.
Turkish authorities reopened the airport in the early hours of Wednesday, just hours after the attacks which killed 36 people.Turkish authorities reopened the airport in the early hours of Wednesday, just hours after the attacks which killed 36 people.
Jafarzadeh added that flights might be resumed by later in the afternoon.Jafarzadeh added that flights might be resumed by later in the afternoon.
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Nato stands in solidarity with Turkey, the US.led alliance’s secretary-general has said, as he condemned the “horrific attacks” on Ataturk airport last night. In a statement published on the Nato website, Jens Stoltenberg said:Nato stands in solidarity with Turkey, the US.led alliance’s secretary-general has said, as he condemned the “horrific attacks” on Ataturk airport last night. In a statement published on the Nato website, Jens Stoltenberg said:
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.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.
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.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.
Germany’s top security official meanwhile described the attack as “cowardly and brutal”. In comments carried by the Associated Press, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere said his thoughts were with the victims and their families, and vowed that “we will continue our fight against terrorism together with our allies with full force.”Germany’s top security official meanwhile described the attack as “cowardly and brutal”. In comments carried by the Associated Press, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere said his thoughts were with the victims and their families, and vowed that “we will continue our fight against terrorism together with our allies with full force.”
De Maiziere said in a statement Wednesday he was “deeply shocked by the cowardly and brutal attack on Istanbul’s airport.” He says “terrorism has once again shown its ugly face and innocent people have lost their lives.”De Maiziere said in a statement Wednesday he was “deeply shocked by the cowardly and brutal attack on Istanbul’s airport.” He says “terrorism has once again shown its ugly face and innocent people have lost their lives.”
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This AP video shows some of the chaotic scenes which followed the attack on Ataturk airport last night. Security has been tightened around the airport, following the attack by suspected Islamic State extremists.This AP video shows some of the chaotic scenes which followed the attack on Ataturk airport last night. Security has been tightened around the airport, following the attack by suspected Islamic State extremists.
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
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.
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It’s 8am in Istanbul and officials have begun assessing the damage caused by the suicide attackers, reports Associated Press:It’s 8am in Istanbul and officials have begun assessing the damage caused by the suicide attackers, reports Associated Press:
Workers were brought in to remove debris left by the blast, while in the daylight the damage to the terminal became clearer with even ceiling panels hit.Workers were brought in to remove debris left by the blast, while in the daylight the damage to the terminal became clearer with even ceiling panels hit.
The airport was partially reopened, with the information board inside the airport showing that about one third of scheduled flights have been cancelled, with a host of others delayed.The airport was partially reopened, with the information board inside the airport showing that about one third of scheduled flights have been cancelled, with a host of others delayed.
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Global reaction against the attack has been swift and condemnatory.Global reaction against the attack has been swift and condemnatory.
Charles Michel, the Belgian prime minister, expressed solidarity following the assault on Brussels airport in March:Charles Michel, the Belgian prime minister, expressed solidarity following the assault on Brussels airport in March:
Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at Istanbul's airport. We condemn these atrocious acts of violence #IstanbulOur thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at Istanbul's airport. We condemn these atrocious acts of violence #Istanbul
The White House called the attack “heinous”, saying America remained “steadfast in our support for Turkey”.The White House called the attack “heinous”, saying America remained “steadfast in our support for Turkey”.
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said:US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said:
Today’s attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world. We must deepen our cooperation with our allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe to take on this threat.Today’s attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world. We must deepen our cooperation with our allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe to take on this threat.
Republican candidate Donald Trump said:Republican candidate Donald Trump said:
Our enemies are brutal and ruthless and will do anything to murder those who do not bend to their will. We must take steps now to protect America from terrorists, and do everything in our power to improve our security to keep America safe.Our enemies are brutal and ruthless and will do anything to murder those who do not bend to their will. We must take steps now to protect America from terrorists, and do everything in our power to improve our security to keep America safe.
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said:German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said:
We grieve for the victims. We stand by Turkey.We grieve for the victims. We stand by Turkey.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his condolences:Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his condolences:
Canada strongly condemns tonight’s deadly attack in Turkey. My thoughts are with the victims as we stand with our allies against terrorism.Canada strongly condemns tonight’s deadly attack in Turkey. My thoughts are with the victims as we stand with our allies against terrorism.
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Flights in and out of Atatürk international airport resumed very quickly after the attack, although investigators continue to work at the scene.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.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.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.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.Rama, who is on an official visit, has been moved to an official residence, the report said, and will travel later to Ankara.