Explosions were reported and gunfire heard at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport Tuesday evening, the Associated Press reports. A Turkish official confirmed to AP that two explosions went off at the airport, and that 10 people were killed. At least 20 others have reportedly been injured, though the extent of their injuries is unknown.
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The official, who chose to remain anonymous, added that the exact source of the explosions was not immediately clear. However, a “Turkish official” tells AP that 2 attackers blew themselves up at Istanbul airport after police fired upon them. According to CNN, the two suicide bombers have been confirmed as deceased. The total number of possible assailants has not been confirmed.
“According to the information I was given, a terrorist at the international terminal entrance first opened fire with a Kalashnikov and then blew himself up,” Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told Turkey’s state-run news agency, according to AP. “We have around 10 martyrs (dead) and around 20 wounded.”
Reuters reports that the explosions occurred at the International Arrivals Terminal of the airport. Reuters added that local media reported witnesses saw armed men fleeing the terminal after the explosions went off. According to a report from Sky News citing local media outlets, hand grenades were also tossed during the attack. Local taxi services are currently assisting ambulances in the transportation of the wounded.
Scheduled flights have been halted, with passengers currently being transported to nearby hotels. Blood donation points have quickly started being shared, with officials preparing to treat the growing number of people wounded in the apparent attack:
UPDATE 7:30 p.m. EST:
The Associated Press previously reported 50 people had been killed in the airport attack but Turkish officials are now saying 31 people have been confirmed dead, though that number is expected to increase.
UPDATE 6:27 p.m. EST:
According to a Senior Turkish official “nearly” 50 people were killed in the airport attack reported the Associated Press.
UPDATE 5:11 p.m. EST: Istanbul’s governor has now confirmed that 28 people were killed during the airport attack, the Associated Press reports. At least 60 people were wounded.
source: complex.com BY ELIZABETH KING, TRACE WILLIAM COWEN
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