TIRANA, June 30 – Albania’s political leaders have condemned the terrorist attacks at Turkey’s Istanbul airport which left at least 40 dead and injured more than 140 others on Tuesday night.
Prime Minister Edi Rama who landed at the airport minutes after the gun and bomb attack described the assault as barbaric.
“Deep regret for the innocent lives lost in another barbaric act carried by those who have no God, religion and place among people,” wrote the Prime Minister.
Rama landed at the Ataturk airport with a delegation as part of an official visit to Turkey but was immediately moved to an official residence before departing for Ankara.
In a press conference with his Turkish counterpart later on Wednesday, Rama said “Albania and Albanians wherever they live are closer than ever to the Turkish people and our governments stand together in the fight against terrorism which kills and slaughters on behalf of God but has no relation to God or the prophets’ messages.”
President Bujar Nishani also condemned the attacks.
“I strongly condemn these hateful terrorist acts which bloodied the holy month of Ramadan and target fearing and destabilizing our friend Turkey,” the President said in a message.
Opposition leader Lulzim Basha also expressed solidarity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent victims and the lives and health of those hurt,” Basha said.
No Albanian passenger has been reported injured from the deadly attacks.
Flights to Turkey from the Tirana International Airport were temporarily suspended following the attack.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said “the attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values.”
Three attackers began shooting inside and outside Istanbul’s Ataturk airport terminal late on Tuesday and blew themselves up after police fired at them.
The bombings have been linked to either IS or Kurdish separatists.
Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said initial indications suggested ISIS was responsible for the attack.
Police in Turkey said on Thursday they had detained 13 suspects including three forign nationals over the deadly attacks at the airport which resumed operations on Wednesday.
Wednesday was a national morning day in Turkey following the deadly attack.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups.
“The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world,” he said.
The U.S. called the attack “heinous”, saying America remained “steadfast in our support for Turkey”.
