Such irony: Erdogan hopes the whole world will unite against terrorism, presumably that doesn't include ISIS.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Such irony: Erdogan hopes the whole world will unite against terrorism, presumably that doesn't include ISIS.

‘I hope Istanbul attack becomes a turning point for united fight against terrorism’ – Erdogan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the violence and expressed hope that the bombing becomes “a turning point” for the whole world to unite against terrorism. Erdogan’s PM said initial findings indicate that ISIS bears responsibility.

“I hope that the Ataturk Airport attack, especially in Western countries [and] all over the world, will be a milestone for the joint fight against terrorist organizations, a turning point,” he said.

Erdogan said the attacks, “which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, show that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values.”

He also expressed his condolences to the “citizens who lost their lives” and the entire nation.

“It is clear that this attack is not aimed at achieving any result but only to create propaganda material against our country using simply the blood and pain of innocent people,” he added.

The Turkish president also said that he expects the world, and especially Western countries, to demonstrate “a decisive stance” in the battle with terrorist organizations.

Turkey, in the meantime, will “continue the fight, despite the huge cost we are paying.”

“Today’s bombs in Istanbul [have demonstrated] the treacherous nature of terrorism,”Erdogan said. “It could happen in any city in the world, in any airport.”

“Once again, God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives in the attack, I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the president said.

“This was a horrific act of terror targeting innocent civilians,” Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said. “It showed once again that terrorism is a global threat and defeating it requires global cooperation. All early indications suggest that the IS was behind the atrocity, but the investigation is ongoing.”

He added that Turkey “has power and determination to overcome such attacks.”

All three suicide bombers in opened fire before blowing themselves up, according to initial findings, the premier said.

READ MORE: ‘I saw a terrorist shooting people’: Turkish airport eyewitnesses describe harrowing scenes to RT

Terrorism Hits Turkey: Airport Attack Leaves 36 Killed, Dozens Injured

Istanbul Airport Bombing Kills 36, PM Blames ISIL

At least 36 people have been killed, and 147 others wounded, when three suicide bombers attacked the Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Yildirim said.Istanbul Airport Bombing Kills 36, PM Blames ISIL

Foreigners are very likely to be among the 36 people killed, he added.

Istanbul Airport Bombing Kills 36, PM Blames ISIL

A triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport has killed at least 36 people, including foreigners, with Turkey’s prime minister saying early signs pointed to an assault by the Takfiri ISIL group.

The attackers began spraying bullets at the international terminal entrance before blowing themselves up at around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) Tuesday, Turkish authorities said. Istanbul airport bombings (Tuesday June 28)

Istanbul airport bombings (Tuesday June 28)

It is the deadliest of four attacks to rock Turkey’s biggest city this year, with two others blamed on ISIL and another claimed by a militant Kurdish group.

Though there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday’s carnage, “the evidence points to Daesh”, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told journalists at the scene, using another name for the Takfiris.

He said the dead included foreigners, but gave no further details. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag put the number of wounded at 147.

The attack prompted the suspension of all flights at the airport — one of Europe’s busiest hubs.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an international “joint fight” against terror, as Western allies including the United States condemned the “heinous” attack.

Yildirim said the suicide bombers had arrived in a taxi and opened fire on passengers with automatic rifles before blowing themselves up.

Security camera footage widely circulated on social media appeared to capture two of the blasts. In one clip a huge ball of flame erupts at an entrance to the terminal building, scattering terrified passengers.

Another video shows a black-clad attacker running inside the building before collapsing to the ground — apparently felled by a police bullet — and blowing himself up.

Tuesday’s attack follows coordinated ISIL suicide bombings at Brussels airport and a city metro station in March that left 32 people dead.