|BREAKING:
Timestamp: 2142 ZULU+2 JUN28
20 m ago; Two explosions and gunfire erupted outside the domestic terminal at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. “Several people injured” according to Turkish media. Reports of at least 10 dead according to Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.
[UPDATE: Death toll has risen to 28, 60 injured]
Ataturk is the 3rd busiest airport in Europe, and is a highly secured location. Police and Military QRF units are on high alert, the Airport has been shut down, and QRF units are deploying for possible follow up attacks. No word from the Executive Branch. The explosions were reportedly the work of multiple suicide bombers.
Reports are that terrorists opened fire with Kalashnikov rifles before detonating suicide vests. One was killed by airport guards before he could detonate.
Gunships/Military helicopters continue to hover over the airport with search lights deployed.
Responding ER’s state that 40+ casualties have been brought in so far. Reports as high as 60 wounded, 6 in critical condition. “The stream of ambulances appears unending,” according to eyewitnesses.
UNCONFIRMED reports from Turkish media sources says that Turkish authorities have enacted a Counter Terrorism law to allow for a media black-out during the Ataturk Airport events.
Reports of active shooter still coming in. Eyewitnesses report hearing automatic rifle exchange.
[From Individual on one of the planes trapped on the tarmac of the Ataturk Airport: “Many travelers do not know what is going on. If it was not for the internet, we would know nothing. No one has made any announcement. Everyone is standing.”]
VIDEO from the event attached to post. Video from eye witness; Mr. Oguzcan Aksoy, @Oguz146.
URGENT: Turkish Red Crescent has announced that it is low on blood, and needs donations to respond to the attack.
UPDATE:
29/06/2016 00:34:01
For families and loved ones awaiting arrival of passengers, here is the most recently accessible flight information and timings for those in need of assistance:
29/06/2016 00:33:01
Scheduled flights not allowed to take off from Istanbul Airport—passengers are being transferred to hotels, according to Turkish Airlines Official
All outbound flights have been cancelled, while most of the inbound flights have been diverted. Planes already approaching the airport allowed to land.
Due to the heavy traffic on the Ataturk Airport’s site information pages, many of the site’s links are currently down.
John Sjoholm, Lima Charlie’s Middle East Bureau Chief
John Sjoholm is a seasoned Middle East specialist with a past in the Swedish Army’s Special Forces branch, and in the Private Military Contracting industry. He lived and operated extensively in the Middle East between 2005-2012 as part of regional stabilizing projects, and currently resides in Jordan.
Follow John on Twitter: @JohnSjoholmLC
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