Readout of Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco's Call with Interior Minister Efkan Ala of Turkey

Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco spoke by phone today with Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala to express condolences for the horrific attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport and offer U.S. support for continued Turkish efforts to combat the threat of terrorism. Ms. Monaco praised the bravery and professionalism of Turkish security forces at the airport and Turkey's resilience in the face of this tragedy, as demonstrated by the quick reopening of the Ataturk Airport today. Ms. Monaco and Interior Minister Ala agreed to continue their close counterterrorism cooperation, and Ms. Monaco offered the full support of the U.S. government to assist the Turkish government in its investigation of the attack and in confronting the continued threat posed by terrorist groups.