Warning: This video contains images of violence.
Essential question
Why do some individuals or groups use terrorism as a means to achieve certain goals?
An attack on a major international airport in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday night left more than 40 dead and upwards of 200 injured.
Despite the damage left by bullet holes and the explosions set off by three suicide bombers, Ataturk Airport was open for business Wednesday as travelers and airport workers tried to return to normal.
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkish officials have blamed the Islamic State militant group, which was also said to be responsible for a January bombing in Istanbul that killed several tourists.
Tuesday’s attack serves as a reminder of the heightened danger associated with air travel due to recent incidents at airports and on planes.
“We are waiting for some kind of solution,” said Serdar Tatlisu, a relative of one of the victims. “We cannot cope anymore. We can’t stand still.”
Key terms
terrorism — the use of violent acts to frighten people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal
caliphate — the jurisdiction or government of a caliph, a spiritual leader of Islam, claiming succession from Muhammad
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