Istanbul attack: Manhunt for attacker who killed 39 in nightclub
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I suppose it was too good to be true to get through the last night of 2016 transitioning to the new year 2017 without another senseless terrorist attack.
A massive manhunt is ongoing for the terrorist who shot and killed 39 people for a New Year’s Eve celebration at a upmarket Istanbul nightclub.
Turkish police officials reported this was a lone gunman who committed these atrocities on an evening of celebration, smiles and looking forward to the new coming year. Some survivors did describe that they saw multiple attackers. That might very well be the case. It is hard to believe that one terrorist killed 39 people.
The other significant news is a Turkish opposition Member of Parliament reported that at least 24 of those who were shot to death were foreign nationals, certainly indicating more than one person premeditated and planned this terrorist attack primarily focused to harm and kill those foreign nationals. 69 others were wounded.
Of those who were among the dead were 11 Turks, seven Saudi Arabians, three Iraqis, two Lebanese, two Tunisian, two Indian, 1 Kuwaiti, a Syrian and an Israelis. A Belgian citizen who is originally Turkish, and a Canadian-Iraqi were also killed. The Jordanian foreign ministry said three of its citizens were killed.
No one yet has claimed responsibility for the heinous attack at the Reina Nightclub. The capacity of the nightclub is up to 600 people. The nightclub is an exclusive hot spot popular with tourists and local residents that is located on the bank of the eastern side of the Bosphorus.
President Erdogan said, “Turkey would fight to the end against all forms of terrorism.” He accused the perpretrators of trying to “create chaos and demoralize his people and destabilize his country.
Among the chaos when the shooting started people were rushing towards the exits. Bodies were lying on the floor and people were jumping literally jumping into the river to escape the gunman. One survivor said the gunman shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) during the shooting attack.
President Obama offered his condolences to the President Erdogan. Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was “hard to imagine a more cynical crime” and Pope Francis said he was praying for the victims.
A heinous tragedy killing innocent people just trying to celebrate the new year 2017. Because terrorism is so widespread people always have to be cautious when going to a public place whether indoors or outdoors. It’s always good to look at your surroundings, identify exits, and keep your guard up. France’s foreign minister says one French citizen was killed and three others wounded in the New Year’s shooting attack at a crowded Istanbul nightclub, AP reports.
Our condolences go out to the families of their loved ones who were killed or injured in this heinous terrorist attack.
This article was posted an January 1, 2017