Multiple suicide attacks at Istanbul Airport claim 36 lives

At least 36 people have been killed and over 100 others injured in a suicide gun and bomb attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport.

According to Istanbul Governor, at least three people were involved in the attack at one of Europe's busiest Airports that took place late last evening.

The attackers opened fire at airport guards at the terminal entrance and a shootout erupted before they blew themselves up one by one.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, "According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives along with three suicide bombers. We also have (people who are) wounded. Many of them suffer from minor injuries but few people suffer from serious injuries. Treatment is underway."

"Findings by our security forces indicate that this terror attack was carried out by Daesh (Islamic State). Even though the findings point to Daesh, the probe is still underway. The airport reopened to air traffic as of 2:22am (1122GMT) and air traffic returned to normal," he added.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for stepped-up cooperation in the fight against terrorism, following the deadly attack.

He condemned the attack and expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Turkey.

In a statement, his spokesman said that the UN chief hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice.

Turkey has been hit by a string of deadly attacks in the past year, blamed on both Kurdish rebels and the Islamic State terrorist group. Meanwhile, the US and French consulates have issued a warning, asking people to stay away from the area.