Leaders around the world denounced terrorism and expressed their sympathies for the dozens of people killed in Tuesday’s explosions at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport in Turkey.
At least 28 people died and 60 people were injured after at least three suicide bombers attacked the international terminal entrance, government officials told theAssociated Press. As details about the tragedy unfold, several political figures took to social media to share their distress.
Presumptive Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump said the assault was “so sad.” “Yet another terrorist attack, this time in Turkey. Will the world ever realize what is going on?” he tweeted. “We must do everything possible to keep this horrible terrorism outside the United States.”
Yet another terrorist attack, this time in Turkey. Will
the world ever realize what is going on? So sad.— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2016
We must do everything possible to keep this horrible terrorism outside the United States.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2016
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called for the U.S. to “deepen” its “cooperation” with allies in the Middle East and Europe to take on the threat of terrorism.
“Terrorists have struck again in the heart of one of our NATO allies—and all Americans stand united with the people of Turkey against this campaign of hatred and violence,” she said in a statement. “Today’s attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world. And it reminds us that the United States cannot retreat.”
"All Americans stand united with the people of Turkey against this campaign of hatred and violence." —Hillary pic.twitter.com/QmSccJvcV0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 28, 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan wrote on Twitter that “terrorism will not prevail.” “We stand with our ally #Turkey in the face of this heinous attack,” he wrote.
Terrorism will not prevail. We stand with our ally #Turkey in the face of this heinous attack.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 28, 2016
Richard Moore, the British Ambassador to Turkey, told his followers he was following the development closely and has been in touch with Turkish authorities. He wrote that he was very “concerned” at reports of the explosions.
Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan also shared her heartbreak. “More innocent lives lost, more families torn apart… Our prayers for all,” she tweeted.
The Istanbul blasts follow the three deadly terrorist attacks that rockedBrussels in late May, including an explosion carried out at Zaventem airport.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the targeted airport in Istanbul, like that of Brussels, is a “symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together.”
Brussels Airport tweeted condolences to the victims of the Istanbul airport attack. “We wish them, their relatives & all airport staff strength & courage,” it said.
Our thoughts are with the victims of the attacks at @istanbulairport. We wish them, their relatives & all airport staff strength & courage.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) June 28, 2016
Arnaud Feist, the CEO of Brussels Airport Company, wrote that he was “deeply moved” to hear of the Istanbul attacks. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their family & friends,” he wrote. “Strength to our colleagues.”
Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport was the 11th busiest airport in the world last year, with 61.8 million passengers, the AP reports.
This article originally appeared at Time.com.
