Ataturk Airport attackers had hoped to take hostages

A memorial for the victims of the Ataturk attack.
(Image credit: Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images)

The three suicide bombers who detonated in Istanbul's Ataturk Airport on Tuesday, killing 44, had aimed to take dozens hostage, according to Turkey's Sabah paper.

"The coats they were wearing to disguise their suicide vests, despite the hot weather, drew the attention of citizens and a police officer," Sabah wrote. As a result of attracting unwanted attention, the bombers abandoned their plan to take hostages and began the devastating attack.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.