SINGAPORE, June 30 — There have been no reports so far of Singaporean casualties from the suicide bomb blasts at Istanbul’s international airport early yesterday (June 29) morning, said a spokesman from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The MFA said it has contacted most of the registered Singaporeans in Istanbul and verified that they are safe. The Singapore Embassy in Ankara is also in touch with the local Turkish authorities, the MFA said.
“Singapore strongly condemns the attacks on Istanbul Ataturk Airport on June 28, 2016, which has resulted in many casualties. We are saddened by the loss of many innocent lives and we stand in solidarity with the Turkish people and government during this difficult time. We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope that the injured will make a quick recovery,” said the ministry.
Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım respectively to convey their condolences. In their letters, they also said Singapore strongly condemns the attack and stands with Turkey against terrorism.
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim also called the news “devastating in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan”.
“Praying for comfort to the families of those killed, and for the safety and recovery of those injured”, Dr Yaacob wrote on his Facebook page.
At least 36 people have died, including some foreigners, after three three suicide bombers blew themselves up at the entrance of Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Another 147 people are reported to be injured.
A Turkish Airlines flight, TK54, which had been scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Singapore roughly four hours after the attacks was cancelled. A Singapore Airlines flight heading to Istanbul from Singapore on Wednesday morning also turned back to Changi Airport midway during its journey to the Turkish city.
The MFA advises Singaporeans in Turkey to exercise vigilance and follow the instructions of the Turkish authorities. Those who are in Istanbul and require consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Ankara at + 90 530 066 7311 or [email protected]. Alternatively, they may also contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at: +65 6379 8800 / 8855 (24-hour hotline) or [email protected]. ― TODAY
