Armed assailants open fire in Italian church in Istanbul
One dead after armed assault
An individual attending the service died in the attack and an investigation was launched to find the attackers. (AFP)
Initial Statements by officials
After the attack, Turkish officials indicated that it looked like a targeted attack against one person rather than against the Catholic church. Interior minister Yerlikaya condemned the attack on social media. (Reuters)
President expresses condolences
An investigation was initiated to find the attackers who fled the scene. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences and assured measures to catch the perpetrators. (Reuters)
Pope Francis condemns the attack
Motive for the attack remains unclear
The footage showed the attackers were wearing black snow masks with their hands in their pockets and sunglasses. The motive for the attack remained unclear. (Reuters)
Historical Context
Turkish security forces detained 32 suspects in December over alleged links with IS jihadists planning attacks on churches, synagogues, and the Iraqi embassy. IS extremists have a history of attacks in Turkey, including the 2017 Istanbul nightclub attack. (Reuters)
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