Turkish PM says first signs in Istanbul attack point to ISIS

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday that early signs suggested the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group was behind a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul airport, as he announced the death toll in the attack had risen to 36.

“According to the most recent information, 36 people have lost their lives,” Yildirim told journalists at the scene of the attack, adding that “the evidence points to Daesh”, using another name for ISIS.

The premier added that there were “many injured”, without giving a figure.

READ: At least 32 dead in Istanbul airport suicide attack | Explosion in southern Turkey kills policeman, 13 wounded

Three suicide bombers opened fire at passengers with automatic rifles before blowing themselves up, Yildirim said.

He did not identify the bombers or give their nationality.

The prime minister added that the attackers had arrived at the airport by taxi. He ruled out any security failings at Ataturk, one of Europe’s busiest air hubs.

Air traffic will resume at the airport from 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), Yildirim said.

Passengers embrace each other at the entrance to Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, early Wednesday, June 29, 2016 following their evacuation after a blast. Suspected Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group extremists have hit the international terminal of Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, killing dozens of people and wounding many others.  AP