Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — The White House condemned what it called a “heinous terrorist attack" that killed and injured dozens of people at an airport in Istanbul Tuesday, comparing it to the attack at the Brussels airport in March.

The Obama administration stopped short of attributing the attack to the Islamic State, but drew parallels with other attacks linked to the terrorist group based in Syria and Iraq.

"We are still collecting information and trying to ascertain what happened and who did it," Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters Tuesday at the Aspen Ideas Festival. "And I won't comment further on it except to say that this is daily fare. That's why I say the first challenge we need to face is countering non-state violent actors."

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels, "is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together.”

“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," Earnest said.

Over 30 killed in suicide attack at Istanbul airport

The White House said the president's homeland security adviser, Lisa Monaco, briefed the president on the explosions shortly after they happened.

The Federal Aviation Administration also suspended all flights two and from the United States and Istanbul.

FAA suspends flights to and from Istanbul