UPDATE | Suicide attack leaves 36 dead, 147 wounded at Istanbul airport

ISTANBUL — Three suicide bombers blew themselves up this evening at Istanbul’s Ataturk international airport, killing 36 people and injuring 147, Turkish officials said.

The attacks took place near a security check at the entrance to the arrivals terminal. There were reports of explosions and gunfire, according to witnesses at the airport, one of the busiest in the region.

All planes were being diverted to nearby airports, an official said. Among the dead and injured were foreign nationals, according to the official.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “terrorist attack,” saying “innocent civilians” were the victims. In a statement after a top-level security meeting, he said such a “heinous” attack could occur at any airport in the world.

“We urged the world, especially Western countries, to take a firm stance against terrorism,” he said, vowing to keep up the fight against terrorism.

The U.S. State Department had issued a warning of “increased threats” in Turkey on Monday. U.S. media outlets cited U.S. officials saying Islamic State was a key suspect.