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Friday, July 1, 2016 Vol. 9 No. 53
Attack in Istanbul
Paramedics push a stretcher at Turkey’s largest airport, Istanbul Ataturk, Turkey, following a blast June 28, 2016. © Osman Orsal / Reuters
44 killed, 239 injured as blasts rock Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport By Desert Star Staff 44 people have been killed and 239 injured in three blasts that rocked Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, according to Turkish officials. Foreigners could be among the dead. The blasts occurred in the airport’s international arrivals terminal. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed to the media that the death toll from the attacks has risen to 36, adding
that foreigners could be among the victims. Five of those killed in the attacks were officers. Another 147 people were injured in the blasts, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said. Yildirim also stated that the attackers arrived at the airport by taxi and that initial findings point to Islamic State responsibility (IS, previously ISIS/ISIL) for the attacks. “It showed once again
that terrorism is a global threat and defeating it requires global cooperation. All early indications suggest that the IS was behind the atrocity, but the investigation is ongoing,” the Prime Minister said. The attacks on the airport involved three suicide bombers, according to Yildirim. Investigation revealed that all three opened fire before detonating their explosive devices.
By Carlos Herrera COACHELLA VALLEY - Fireworks stands open for business in several cities in the Coachella Valley. While the skies will be lit up red, white and blue this Fourth of July, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind. It is that time of year again, Fourth of July is right around the corner and the skies will be lit up to celebrate Independence Day. “It kind of gives a spark to the whole day,” Cathedral City resident Natalia Medina said. Fireworks stands opened for business in several cities in the Coachella Valley in preparation of the big day. For the rest of the week you’ll
see fireworks stands like this one in cities that allow it. However, in most cities, the pyrotechnics are illegal. In fact, safe and sane fireworks are only legal in the cities of Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio. The reason for that, according to fire officials, is because they are dangerous. “Safe and sane fireworks have the potential to cause serious burns and can cause fires,” battalion chief for Cal Fire Rick Griggs said. Fire officials say you should only use safe and sane fireworks, but even those can be dangerous, so they must be used properly. “They all can be dangerous and not only burn people but burn
property and cause significant damage,” Griggs added. Here are some other tips: • Make sure you keep a bucket of water on hand • Keep children at a safe distance • Don’t ignite fireworks close to anything flammable Officials also want to remind you that if you do not follow the law, you will face the consequences, such as a citation, go to jail or, what is even worse, injure yourself or someone else. “Even the simplest sparklers go off at several thousand degrees, so that can cause burns and those burns don’t just go away, they can be lifetime scars,” Griggs said. Source KMIR
On Tuesday evening, three suicide bombers stormed the airport with assault weapons and opened fire before blowing themselves up. One of the attackers fired shots from an automatic rifle in the departures hall, according to Reuters. All three reportedly detonated their explosive devices around the arrivals hall. Four armed men were reportedly seen running away from the terminal building after
the explosions, according to Turkey’s NTV channel. According to some Turkish media, the blasts targeted two separate locations in the airport. The deadly blasts coincided with the second anniversary of the declaration of the socalled Caliphate by the terror group as well as the last week of the holy month of Ramadan, during which IS Continues on Page 7
Fire Officials Preach Fourth of July Fireworks Safety