US condemns 'heinous' Istanbul attack, pledges support for Turkey

The United States on Tuesday condemned what it called the "heinous" bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport that left at least 32 people dead and pledged its "steadfast" support for Turkey.

"Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.

"We remain steadfast in our support for Turkey, our NATO ally and partner, along with all of our friends and allies around the world, as we continue to confront the threat of terrorism."