Turkish minister says 16 foreigners also killed in attack
Online
ISTANBUL : At least 39 people, including 16 foreigners, have died in an attack on a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey’s interior minister has said.
Suleyman Soylu also revealed police were still hunting for the “terrorist” who attacked the Reina nightclub at about 01:30 local time (22:30 GMT).
For hours after the attack the authorities had said nothing about the whereabouts of the assailant. Another 69 people were being treated in hospital, the minister added.
“The search for the terrorist continues… I hope (the attacker) will be captured quickly, God willing,” Mr Soylu said. The Turkish authorities have imposed a media blackout on coverage of the attack, but it does not extend to official statements.
Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin earlier revealed a police officer had died in the attack.
One attacker was involved, the governor said, while CNN Turk reported he was dressed in a Santa Claus costume.
“A terrorist with a long-range weapon … brutally and savagely carried out this incident by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun,” Mr Sahin told reporters at the scene of the upmarket Reina nightclub in the the Ortakoy area on the banks of Bosphorus.
Dogan news agency reported that some witnesses claimed the attackers were “speaking Arabic” while Turkish television channel NTV said special force police officers were searching the nightclub.
US President Barack Obama, who is on holiday in Hawaii, was among the first international leaders to make a statement after being briefed by his team.
“The president expressed condolences for the innocent lives lost, directed his team to offer appropriate assistance to the Turkish authorities, as necessary, and keep him updated as warranted,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement.
