US congressman: Chechen extremist behind Istanbul attack
ISTANBUL- A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport that killed at least 44 people, a US congressman has said.
US Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which also wounded more than 230 other people.
Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt to catch the alleged mastermind.
