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Aftermath of the attack at Ataturk Airport. Image Credit: AFP

Istanbul: Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday that early signs suggested Daesh was behind a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that reportedly killed at least 41 people. 

Reports said 240 people were injured.

The attack prompted the suspension of all flights at the airport.

Three attackers began spraying bullets at airport guards at the terminal entrance and a shootout erupted before they blew themselves up one by one at around 10:00pm Tuesday, Turkish authorities said.

Gulf airlines cancel flights to Istanbul-Ataturk

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.

An AFP photographer saw bodies covered with sheets at the terminal, which bore heavy damage from the blasts.

Bullet holes peppered the windows and shattered glass lay on the floor, while abandoned luggage was scattered everywhere.

Hundreds of police and firefighters including forensic officers were at the scene.

"Somebody came and shot at us and then my sister was running," Otfah Mohamed Abdullah told AFP.

"I don't know which way she was running and after that I was falling down. I was on the ground till he finished... I can't find my sister."

Gulf News GCC and Middle East Editor Layelle Saad discusses the attack:

There was panic at the nearest hospital in Istanbul's Bakirkoy district, which was inundated with relatives desperate for news of loved ones.

Brussels airport, itself the scene of suicide bombings just months ago, tweeted condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport."

Security expert Abdullah Agar told CNN Turk the attack bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group.

"It really bears a resemblance to their methods," he said in reference to the Brussels bombings, which were claimed by IS.

The US and French consulates warned people to stay away from the area.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an international "joint fight" against terror after the attack, the fourth deadly bombing in Istanbul this year alone.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which prompted the suspension of all flights at Turkey's busiest airport.

Attack condemed

The UAE condemned the attack. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed the condolences of the UAE to the Turkish government and the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Shaikh Abdullah also condemned the heinous terrorist act which contradicts all religions, human values and principles.

He also asserted the solidarity of the UAE's leadership, government and people with Turkey in its fight against extremism and terrorism, and reiterated support for efforts to establish security and peace.

Shaikh Abdullah went on to stress the need for a concerted international effort to confront violence and terrorism in all its forms and sources.

The US condemned what it called the "heinous" bombing and gun attack, pledging "steadfast" support for Turkey.

"Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.

"We remain steadfast in our support for Turkey, our NATO ally and partner, along with all of our friends and allies around the world, as we continue to confront the threat of terrorism."

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both responded to the attacks.

"Yet another terrorist attack, this time in Turkey. Will the world ever realize what is going on? So sad," Trump tweeted.

 

Clinton's Twitter account tweeted: "'All Americans stand united with the people of Turkey against this campaign of hatred and violence' —Hillary".

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A man carries his daughter outside as people leave the airport. Image Credit: AFP
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Paramedics attend to casualties injured outside Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Image Credit: Reuters
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This picture obtained from the Ilhas News Agency shows injured people outside Ataturk Airport. Image Credit: AFP
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A flight stewardess walks past a cordoned off area outside Ataturk airport's arrivals terminal on June 29, 2016, a day after a suicide bombing and gun attack targeted Istanbul's airport, killing at least 36 people. Image Credit: AFP
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Passengers rest on the pavement outside Istanbul's Ataturk Airport early Wednesday following their evacuation. Image Credit: AP
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