Vice President condemns Istanbul attack

He said that it is not just an attack against Istanbul but against all humanity and those who commit such crimes cannot have any religion, nor can there be any justification for such barbaric and reprehensible acts.

Reports said there were screams as the terrorists fired and bombed in one of the busiest airports of the world and third busiest in Europe.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım confirming the toll at 36 has said militant group ISIS is suspected to be behind the attack.

The prime minister was quoted as saying that three attackers arrived in the airport on a taxi cab and also used guns during the attack.

He said the three men exploded themselves, adding "this attack, targeting innocent people is a vile, planned terrorist act." The terrorists opened fire in the departures hall too as people ran for cover.

Faced with terrorism on its soil, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should be seen as a turning point in the global fight against terrorism.

"The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world," he said, quoted BBC.

Following is the text of Vice President’s message:

“I am shocked by the terrorist attack at the Ataturk Airport of Istanbul, Turkey. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have been killed, and with the Turkish people.

This is not just an attack against Istanbul but against all humanity. Those who commit such crimes cannot have any religion, nor can there be any justification for such barbaric and reprehensible acts.

We stand with the people and Government of Turkey in their moment of grief and pray for the bereaved families and early recovery of the injured.”