Dozens Dead in Istanbul Airport Attack

Istanbul governor confirms death toll on Turkish television, with suspicions of suicide attack

At least 32 people have been killed and 60 more wounded, after three attackers set off explosives in the international departures section of Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST). The Associated Press reports the attack took place at around 10:30 p.m. local time.

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told the AP: “A terrorist at the international terminal entrance first opened fire with a Kalashnikov and then blew himself up.” The attack took place at the opening of the security checkpoint and reportedly did not spill into the sterile zone.

Immediately after the attacks, IST was initially closed to incoming traffic, before allowing limited aircraft to land. The airport has been subsequently evacuated, with no timetable as to when the facility may reopen. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Delta Air Lines suspended service to Istanbul in May 2016 after a previous security warning from the State Department and are not immediately affected by the attack. A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed to Britain’s The Mirror their aircraft inbound for IST was turned around after news of the attack. As of press time, American Airlines and United Airlines have not issued statements about the attack.

The suicide attacks could be tied to Islamic terrorism in Istanbul, as authorities believe ISIS could be behind the plot. The decentralized terrorist organization has not claimed responsibility for the attack. If ISIS does take responsibility for the attack, it would mark their second assault on an airport in 2016, after attacking Brussels Airport (BRU) in March.

[Photo: CNN]