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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
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| 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) | |
| 1.58am BST | |
| 01:58 | |
| It seems quite incredible, but Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport is open again... | |
| Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport now operational. #TK25 will be first passenger flight to land. https://t.co/CuilQCnJPn pic.twitter.com/cGH909b26X | |
| 1.57am BST | |
| 01:57 | |
| Further to the Prime Minister’s statement: | |
| Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed 36 people have been killed in the attack on Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. | |
| He said the victims include some foreigners and that many of the dozens wounded have minor injuries but others are more badly hurt. | |
| Yildrim said Turkish security forces had advised that Daesh (the Arabic name for Isis) was behind the attack. | |
| But he said the airport had been reopened and air traffic was back to normal from Turkey’s busiest airport. | |
| He also said that 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. | |
| 1.51am BST | |
| 01:51 | |
| United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has issued a statement condemning the attacks on Turkey. | |
| The Secretary-General condemns today’s terrorist attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport. 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. | |
| The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice. He stands firmly by Turkey as it confronts this threat and stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. | |
| 1.38am BST | |
| 01:38 | |
| Elle Hunt | |
| Facebook has activated its safety check featurein the wake of the explosions in Instanbul. | |
| The tool lets users who are at or near the site of a natural disaster or terrorist attack mark themselves and others as safe, as well as check if any of their friends have been affected. | |
| Facebook’s Disaster Response page posted a status in relation to the blasts at Ataturk airport: | |
| On Tuesday, June 28 at 11:35pm local time in Turkey, we activated Safety Check after the explosions that took place in Istanbul. Our hearts go out to everyone touched by these tragic events.” | |
| Safety Check is a simple and easy way to say you’re safe and check on others after a crisis or disaster. We hope the people in the area find the tool a helpful way to let friends and family know they are okay. | |
| Facebook uses location services and any registered locations to determine which of its users are in the area, though it has made mistakes in the past. | |
| In March, it asked users all over the world if they’d been affected by the suicide bombing in Pakistan. Some received texts to their phones asking “Have you been affected by the explosion?” without any indication of where the danger was. | |
| The feature was introduced last year, based on a location tool built after the Fukushima tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, with the intention of being used in the case of natural disasters. | |
| The policy surrounding its use was changed after it was activated for the Paris terror attacks. | |
| 1.26am BST | 1.26am BST |
| 01:26 | 01:26 |
| The people of Pakistan have suffered as greatly from Islamist jihadist terror as any nation on earth. Vigils have been held in that country in solidarity with Turkey tonight. | The people of Pakistan have suffered as greatly from Islamist jihadist terror as any nation on earth. Vigils have been held in that country in solidarity with Turkey tonight. |
| We extend our profound sympathies & condolences to the victims & their families #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/JpptL1tCNi | We extend our profound sympathies & condolences to the victims & their families #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/JpptL1tCNi |
| 1.13am BST | 1.13am BST |
| 01:13 | 01:13 |
| Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim speaking outside the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. He confirmed 36 people were killed in the terror assault on the airport Tuesday night, and said security forces have indicated the attack was carried out by Daesh (using the Arabic name for Isis). | Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim speaking outside the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. He confirmed 36 people were killed in the terror assault on the airport Tuesday night, and said security forces have indicated the attack was carried out by Daesh (using the Arabic name for Isis). |
| 1.02am BST | 1.02am BST |
| 01:02 | 01:02 |
| The aftermath: | The aftermath: |
| 1.00am BST | 1.00am BST |
| 01:00 | 01:00 |
| Turkish PM says security forces have indicated the attack was carried out by Daesh, the Arabic name for Isis. | Turkish PM says security forces have indicated the attack was carried out by Daesh, the Arabic name for Isis. |
| 12.56am BST | 12.56am BST |
| 00:56 | 00:56 |
| The Turkish Prime Minister has confirmed 36 people have been killed in the attack on Istanbul Ataturk Airport. | The Turkish Prime Minister has confirmed 36 people have been killed in the attack on Istanbul Ataturk Airport. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.10am BST | at 1.10am BST |
| 12.35am BST | 12.35am BST |
| 00:35 | 00:35 |
| Paul Roos, a 77-year-old South African who was due to fly out to Cape Town with his wife, has described witnessing the gunman shooting at random inside the international terminal. He told Reuters: | Paul Roos, a 77-year-old South African who was due to fly out to Cape Town with his wife, has described witnessing the gunman shooting at random inside the international terminal. He told Reuters: |
| 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. |
| 12.22am BST | 12.22am BST |
| 00:22 | 00:22 |
| Response from the US: | Response from the US: |
| White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest: | White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest: |
| The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s heinous terrorist attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport in Turkey, which appears to have killed and injured dozens. 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. | The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s heinous terrorist attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport in Turkey, which appears to have killed and injured dozens. 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. | 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. |
| U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said the attack in Istanbul airport was a reminder that the United States “cannot retreat”. | U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said the attack in Istanbul airport was a reminder that the United States “cannot retreat”. |
| 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. |
| Presumptive Republican Party nominee Donald Trump said “the terrorist threat has never been greater”. | Presumptive Republican Party nominee Donald Trump said “the terrorist threat has never been greater”. |
| 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. |
| 12.14am BST | 12.14am BST |
| 00:14 | 00:14 |
| Death toll rises | Death toll rises |
| The Guardian has been told by the office of the Turkish justice minister that the number of confirmed dead has now risen to 31. 147 people have been wounded. | The Guardian has been told by the office of the Turkish justice minister that the number of confirmed dead has now risen to 31. 147 people have been wounded. |
| Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT is reporting 38 people are dead, including 5 police, and at least 120 are injured. | Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT is reporting 38 people are dead, including 5 police, and at least 120 are injured. |
| Figures of those killed and injured are notoriously difficult to ascertain in the hours after an attack of this nature. These numbers are likely to change again. | Figures of those killed and injured are notoriously difficult to ascertain in the hours after an attack of this nature. These numbers are likely to change again. |
| 12.09am BST | 12.09am BST |
| 00:09 | 00:09 |
| Footage emerging of attacks... | Footage emerging of attacks... |
| Several video clips are circulating online purporting to show the airport during and after the attacks. | Several video clips are circulating online purporting to show the airport during and after the attacks. |
| 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 have verisimilitude. | 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 have verisimilitude. |
| One graphic piece of footage posted online purports to be of one of the gunmen inside the terminal. | One graphic piece of footage posted online purports to be of one of the gunmen inside the terminal. |
| It 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. | It 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. |
| A second clip shows people in the aftermath of the attacks huddling at the back of shops, and crouched down, unsure whether the attacks have ended and if it is safe to move. | A second clip shows people in the aftermath of the attacks huddling at the back of shops, and crouched down, unsure whether the attacks have ended and if it is safe to move. |
| 11.56pm BST | 11.56pm BST |
| 23:56 | 23:56 |
| Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a statement, warning that the attack on Turkey’s largest city is an attack on the whole world. He urged all governments and all of humankind to “join forces in the fight against terrorism”. | Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a statement, warning that the attack on Turkey’s largest city is an attack on the whole world. He urged all governments and all of humankind to “join forces in the fight against terrorism”. |
| I strongly condemn the terror attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and offer my condolences to the victims’ families and our nation. May Allah bless the souls of everyone who lost their lives in this heinous attack. | I strongly condemn the terror attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and offer my condolences to the victims’ families and our nation. May Allah bless the souls of everyone who lost their lives in this heinous attack. |
| The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values. Nor do terrorists distinguish between their victims. | The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values. Nor do terrorists distinguish between their victims. |
| We urge the world, especially Western countries, to take a firm stand against terrorism. | We urge the world, especially Western countries, to take a firm stand 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. | 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. | 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. |
| The Ataturk Airport attack should serves as a turning point in the fight against terrorism around the world and especially in Western countries. | The Ataturk Airport attack should serves as a turning point in the fight against terrorism around the world and especially in Western countries. |
| 11.55pm BST | 11.55pm BST |
| 23:55 | 23:55 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.06am BST | at 12.06am BST |
| 11.46pm BST | 11.46pm BST |
| 23:46 | 23:46 |
| There is still significant confusion surrounding the attacks on Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport Tuesday. Official reports say 28 people have been killed, and 60 injured, but there are credible reports the death toll is likely to rise. | There is still significant confusion surrounding the attacks on Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport Tuesday. Official reports say 28 people have been killed, and 60 injured, but there are credible reports the death toll is likely to rise. |
| Three gunmen, believed to be wearing suicide vests, opened fire at the airport’s international terminal on Tuesday evening. | Three gunmen, believed to be wearing suicide vests, opened fire at the airport’s international terminal on Tuesday evening. |
| The Guardian’s Constanze Letsch, in Istanbul, and Nicky Woolf, report: | The Guardian’s Constanze Letsch, in Istanbul, and Nicky Woolf, report: |
| A series of deadly explosions tore through crowds at Istanbul’s Atatürk international airport on Tuesday evening, leaving at least 28 dead and 60 injured in an attack which officials blamed on the Islamic State terror group. | A series of deadly explosions tore through crowds at Istanbul’s Atatürk international airport on Tuesday evening, leaving at least 28 dead and 60 injured in an attack which officials blamed on the Islamic State terror group. |
| The Associated Press cited an unnamed Turkish official who said that the death toll could be as high as 50. | The Associated Press cited an unnamed Turkish official who said that the death toll could be as high as 50. |
| Shortly before the blasts, assailants armed with AK-47 rifles were involved in an exchange of gunfire with security guards outside the airport’s international terminal, according to officials. The gunmen then detonated what are believed to be suicide bombs. | Shortly before the blasts, assailants armed with AK-47 rifles were involved in an exchange of gunfire with security guards outside the airport’s international terminal, according to officials. The gunmen then detonated what are believed to be suicide bombs. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.52pm BST | at 11.52pm BST |