AMN
Turkey declared a one-day morning after twin blasts ripped through the heart of Istanbul killing 29 people, mainly police, and wounding 166. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also ordered flags to fly at half mast after a car bombing near a football stadium followed by a suicide bombing at a nearby park.
No group has claimed the blasts which were the latest in a year that has seen Istanbul and other Turkish cities rocked by a string of attacks blamed on Islamic State terrorists and Kurdish militants.
MEANWHILE Leaders from around the world have condemned terror attack near a football stadium in Istanbul that killed at least 29 people and injured 166 others.
In Washington, the White House condemned the attack “in the strongest terms”, and pledged solidarity with Turkey.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and loved ones, and to all the people of Turkey,” National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
“We stand together with Turkey, our NATO Ally, against all terrorists who threaten Turkey, the United States, and global peace and stability.”
The president of the European Parliament posted a comment on social media. “My thoughts & solidarity with Turkish citizens, with families of victims of Istanbul attack. I wish speedy and full recovery to the injured,” Martin Schulz said.
A spokesman for Council of Europe secretary general said Ankara would find support from Europe. “Turkey can rely on the solidarity and support of European governments and the Council of Europe after today’s Istanbul terrorist attack,” Daniel Holtgen said.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack, calling it as “horrific acts of terror.” He stressed that NATO stood united in solidarity with its ally Turkey. “We remain determined to fight terrorism in all its forms,” he added.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the “UK [was] committed to working with Turkey to tackle terrorism,” adding that his thoughts were with all those affected.
In a statement, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims. “He hopes that the perpetrators of this terrorist act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice,” the UN website reads.
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain also condemned the blasts saying the terrorist attacks cannot shake the resolve of Turkish people and the government in their war against terrorism.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decried the attack and urged for “a resolute fight against any kind of terrorism”.