White House condemns bombings in Turkey 'in the strongest possible terms'

ISTANBUL — In a release from the Office of the Press Secretary, the White House condemned the terrorist bombings in Istanbul, Turkey, that killed 41 and wounded at least 147.

“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s heinous terrorist attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport in Turkey, which appears to have killed and injured dozens,” the statement said. “Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport, which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of internation connections and the ties that bind us together.”

Three suicide bombers opened fire with automatic weapons before detonating explosives, rocking not only the airport, but the world as part of a series of recent terrorist attacks.

The official death toll from the attacks is expected to increase, with Turkish officials saying they believe at least 50 people were killed, according to the Associated Press.

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton also issued a statement on the terrorist attacks.

“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,” the statement said.

Republican businessman and presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed his reaction to the bombings on Twitter.

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

No terrorist organization immediately took responsibility for the attack in Istanbul.

Cox Media Group