Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Istanbul Attack

From the BBC:
"Istanbul Ataturk airport attack: Deaths rise to 41 as Turkey mourns"

Turkey is observing a national day of mourning after a gun and suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport killed 41 people, including 13 foreign nationals. Three attackers arrived in a taxi and began firing at the terminal entrance late on Tuesday. They blew themselves up after police fired back. Officials say 239 people were injured, with 41 still intensive care. PM Binali Yildirim said early signs pointed to so-called Islamic State. However, no-one has so far admitted carrying out the attack. Turkish investigators are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and mobile phone video recorded by terrified passengers to try to determine the identity of the attackers. The Dogan news agency said autopsies on the three dead men suggested they may be foreign nationals but this has not been confirmed.  Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdag says that 128 people remain in hospital, including nationals of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Switzerland, the Associated Press reports.  The Istanbul city governor said 41 people were killed, including 13 foreign or dual nationals. UK Prime Minister David Cameron said there were no reports yet of any British casualties, but the Foreign Office was in contact with Turkish authorities.

Nationality of dead so far confirmed (may include dual nationality)

23 - Turkish
5 - Saudi
2 - Iraqi
1 - Chinese; Jordanian; Tunisian; Uzbek; Iranian; Ukrainian

Cleaners worked through the morning to sweep up shattered glass, while workers repaired cables and ceiling tiles. Heavily-armed security personnel were patrolling the airport. Flights had resumed in the early morning, though with many cancellations and delays. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups.  Reports of the attack vary but it appears the attackers opened fire at the entrance where X-ray machines are positioned, sparking an exchange with police. At least two of the attackers ran into the building. Footage on social media shows one moving through the building as people around him flee. He is shot by police and remains on the ground for about 20 seconds before blowing himself up. All three attackers were killed.  The US called the attack "heinous", saying America remained "steadfast in our support for Turkey". Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Turkey in a phone call with Mr Erdogan, as the pair seek to rebuild ties. French President Francois Hollande has confirmed two French nationals were injured in the attack, but not seriously. Pope Francis denounced the "brutal terrorist attack", saying: "May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent ones and support our efforts toward the path of peace."



^ Unfortunately, it seems that bombings and attacks at airports is the latest tactic being used by terrorists. Millions of people use airports everyday (I will in a few days) and so it is even more scarier. ^


http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36662684

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