Suspected ISIS bombers kill 36 people in attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, no Indians among victims

Another senior government official told The Associated Press the death toll could climb much higher.

The senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol, at first said close to 50 people had already died, but later said that the figure was expected to rise to close to 50.

Yildirim said three suicide bombers were responsible for the attack and all initial indications suggest the Islamic State group was behind it.

He said the attackers arrived at the airport in a taxi and blew themselves up after opening fire. Asked whether a fourth attacker might have escaped, he said authorities have no such assessment but are considering every possibility.

Live photos and videos from blast site

Live updates have ended.

9:20 am: A survivor posted pictures after the attack in Istanbul.

8:40 am: Attackers came to the airport in a taxi and detonated themselves after opening fire. Read story

8:30 am: No report so far of any Indian casualties in the terror attack, confirms MEA

8:25 am: Helpline numbers for Indians requiring assistance in Istanbul: +90-530-5671095/8258037/4123625. You may also contact First Secretary, Embassy of India, Ankara at 05303142203

8:20 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi responds to the attack: “Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”

8:15 am: A look at the recent airport attacks across the world. Read here

8:05 am: Shocked & deeply saddened by news of yet another terror attack in Istanbul. Strongly condemn this cowardly attack on innocents: Rahul Gandhi. Read story here

7:15 am: The US Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday lifted an order issued earlier in the evening grounding flights between the United States and Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport after a bomb attack there.

6:37 am (IST) | 

Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport now operational. #TK25 will be first passenger flight to land. https://t.co/CuilQCnJPn pic.twitter.com/cGH909b26X

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 29, 2016

5:36 am (IST) | All three suicide bombers opened fire and then blew themselves up, initial findings suggest: Turkish PM.

Watch: Rising Death Toll in Turkey Airport Attack

4:50 am (IST) | Correction: Turkish officials say 31 people confirmed dead in airport attack, death toll expected to rise (a senior official had earlier said close to 50 people had already died).

BREAKING: Senior Turkish official says nearly 50 people killed in attack at Istanbul’s airport.

— The Associated Press (@AP) June 28, 2016

3:50 am (IST) | Turkish President Erdogan strongly condemns Istanbul airport attack, urges international for a ‘joint fight’ against terror.

3:47 am (IST) | Death toll climbs to nearly 50; ISIS suspected behind the attack, says senior Turkish official.

Watch:

2:57 am (IST) | All direct flights from US to Turkey have been suspended, reports CNN.

Pics | Istanbul Airport Explosions: Twin Blasts Kill At Least 50 In Turkey

2:45 am (IST) | Planes will be allowed to land at Ataturk Airport until 2110 GMT, and flights have already been stopped, an official for Turkish Airlines said.

2:40 am (IST) | Istanbul’s governor says 28 people were killed in airport attacks, 60 wounded: report.

2: 30 am (IST) | Police fired shots to neutralize suspects at international terminal entry point of Ataturk airport: official.

2:00 am (IST) | Turkish official: 1 of attackers at Istanbul airport “opened fire with a Kalashnikov and then blew himself up.”

1:00 am (IST) | Unclear if explosions at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport caused by bombs or suicide attack; multiple people injured.

1:00 am (IST) | Turkish justice minister says 10 people killed in blasts at Istanbul airport.

12:54 am (IST) | Explosions and gunfire heard at international terminal of Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

(With inputs from AP and Reuters)