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Istanbul attack: Manhunt for attacker who killed 39 in nightclub – live Istanbul attack: Manhunt for attacker who killed 39 in nightclub – live
(35 minutes later)
4.27pm GMT
16:27
Jamie Grierson
Hi, Jamie Grierson in London here, taking over from Haroon. Here’s some updated advice from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). A brief statement on the department’s website reads:
On 1 January 2017, there was an attack on the Reina nightclub in Ortakoy, Istanbul, causing a large number of casualties. There is an ongoing police operation in Istanbul as a result of the attack, and the attacker may still be at large. You should exercise vigilance and caution at this time, and follow the advice and instructions of the security authorities.
4.00pm GMT4.00pm GMT
16:0016:00
Charbel Wardini, from Lebanon, told AP that his 26-year-old brother, Elias, was among those killed in the attack.Charbel Wardini, from Lebanon, told AP that his 26-year-old brother, Elias, was among those killed in the attack.
He said:He said:
I lost my brother because of terrorism. If you tell me terrorism, I will go fight against them.I lost my brother because of terrorism. If you tell me terrorism, I will go fight against them.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said seven Lebanese were wounded in the attack.Lebanon’s foreign ministry reported earlier that the daughter of member of parliament Estephan El Douaihy was among those injured.Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said seven Lebanese were wounded in the attack.Lebanon’s foreign ministry reported earlier that the daughter of member of parliament Estephan El Douaihy was among those injured.
The Lebanese government plans to send a jet to Istanbul on Sunday night with a medical team and relatives of the wounded in order to bring them back to Beirut.The Lebanese government plans to send a jet to Istanbul on Sunday night with a medical team and relatives of the wounded in order to bring them back to Beirut.
3.40pm GMT3.40pm GMT
15:4015:40
The foreign ministry in Amman has said three Jordanians were killed and four injured, the official Petra news agency reported.The foreign ministry in Amman has said three Jordanians were killed and four injured, the official Petra news agency reported.
3.14pm GMT3.14pm GMT
15:1415:14
At the forensic institute in Istanbul, Kareem Shaheen spoke to Stephanie Deek, a Lebanese woman whose friend was with her husband, Haykal Musallem, at Reina when the attack happened. Musallem was killed.At the forensic institute in Istanbul, Kareem Shaheen spoke to Stephanie Deek, a Lebanese woman whose friend was with her husband, Haykal Musallem, at Reina when the attack happened. Musallem was killed.
Deek said:Deek said:
They were just tourists, married for five months, and they wanted to find the perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve.They were just tourists, married for five months, and they wanted to find the perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve.
She said when the attack happened the husband was in the bathroom and the wife at the table. She ran out when the shooting started but the husband was caught in the midst of the attack and died.She said when the attack happened the husband was in the bathroom and the wife at the table. She ran out when the shooting started but the husband was caught in the midst of the attack and died.
Deek tried to contact them as soon as she heard of the attack, and was there to try and identify the body but had to wait outside and was visibly agitated. She said:Deek tried to contact them as soon as she heard of the attack, and was there to try and identify the body but had to wait outside and was visibly agitated. She said:
I’m feeling so sad. I can’t even talk or express my feelings.I’m feeling so sad. I can’t even talk or express my feelings.
3.09pm GMT3.09pm GMT
15:0915:09
'24 foreigners killed' - Turkish MP'24 foreigners killed' - Turkish MP
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
Selina Dogan, a CHP [the main opposition party] MP who toured the hospitals and the morgue, said 11 Turks, 24 foreign nationals and four whose nationality has yet to be ascertained were killed in the attack.Selina Dogan, a CHP [the main opposition party] MP who toured the hospitals and the morgue, said 11 Turks, 24 foreign nationals and four whose nationality has yet to be ascertained were killed in the attack.
She said the nationalities of the dead included Saudi Arabian (seven) Iraqi (three), Lebanese (two), Tunisian (two) Indian (two) and one each from Kuwait, Syria, and Israel. A Belgian citizen who is originally Turkish, and a Canadian-Iraqi were also killed.She said the nationalities of the dead included Saudi Arabian (seven) Iraqi (three), Lebanese (two), Tunisian (two) Indian (two) and one each from Kuwait, Syria, and Israel. A Belgian citizen who is originally Turkish, and a Canadian-Iraqi were also killed.
One of the Kuwaiti wounded told visitors that the assailant was shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).One of the Kuwaiti wounded told visitors that the assailant was shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).
The survivors they spoke to all said there were multiple assailants, although Turkish authorities have said there was a lone attacker, and some said they were in contact with each other on walkie talkies.The survivors they spoke to all said there were multiple assailants, although Turkish authorities have said there was a lone attacker, and some said they were in contact with each other on walkie talkies.
All of the dead had gun wounds caused by a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Of the dead, 25 are men and 14 women. Eleven bodies have already been handed over to their families for burial.All of the dead had gun wounds caused by a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Of the dead, 25 are men and 14 women. Eleven bodies have already been handed over to their families for burial.
Two of the dead are believed to be Saudi twins but they haven’t been formally identified yet.Two of the dead are believed to be Saudi twins but they haven’t been formally identified yet.
2.52pm GMT2.52pm GMT
14:5214:52
Five Saudi citizens were killed in the attack and 10 more injured, according to the al-Riyhadh website (Arabic link), quoting the country’s acting consul general in Istanbul.Five Saudi citizens were killed in the attack and 10 more injured, according to the al-Riyhadh website (Arabic link), quoting the country’s acting consul general in Istanbul.
2.48pm GMT2.48pm GMT
14:4814:48
Another Lebanese man, Haykal Mousallem, was killed in the attack, his relatives have told Reuters.Another Lebanese man, Haykal Mousallem, was killed in the attack, his relatives have told Reuters.
Earlier, the family of Elias Wardini told Lebanon’s New TV that they had been officially informed of his death.Earlier, the family of Elias Wardini told Lebanon’s New TV that they had been officially informed of his death.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said several other Lebanese nationals were wounded in the attack.Lebanon’s National News Agency said several other Lebanese nationals were wounded in the attack.
2.38pm GMT2.38pm GMT
14:3814:38
Turkish media say the victims of the attack include a police officer and a travel agent, AP reports.Turkish media say the victims of the attack include a police officer and a travel agent, AP reports.
State-run Anadolu news agency reported that the body of 22-year-old police officer Burak Yildiz was en route to his hometown in the southern city of Mersin. Yildiz, who had been on the force for one-and-a-half years, was shot and killed outside the Reina nightclub.Private Dogan news agency reports that 47-year-old travel agent Ayhan Arik, a father of two, was another of the first victims of the early morning attack. The news agency says the gunman shot Arik in the head outside the club.State-run Anadolu news agency reported that the body of 22-year-old police officer Burak Yildiz was en route to his hometown in the southern city of Mersin. Yildiz, who had been on the force for one-and-a-half years, was shot and killed outside the Reina nightclub.Private Dogan news agency reports that 47-year-old travel agent Ayhan Arik, a father of two, was another of the first victims of the early morning attack. The news agency says the gunman shot Arik in the head outside the club.
1.59pm GMT1.59pm GMT
13:5913:59
The Turkish prime minister has also said the reports that the attacker was dressed as Santa Claus are untrue.The Turkish prime minister has also said the reports that the attacker was dressed as Santa Claus are untrue.
Turkish Prime Minister @BA_Yildirim denies report #Istanbul shooter was dressed as Santa. Attacker left weapon at scene pic.twitter.com/0MtTCNkitJTurkish Prime Minister @BA_Yildirim denies report #Istanbul shooter was dressed as Santa. Attacker left weapon at scene pic.twitter.com/0MtTCNkitJ
1.54pm GMT1.54pm GMT
13:5413:54
Turkish authorities are starting to uncover evidence about the attack on the Reina nightclub but there is no clarity yet on who was responsible, Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim said. When asked by reporters who might have been behind it, he answered:Turkish authorities are starting to uncover evidence about the attack on the Reina nightclub but there is no clarity yet on who was responsible, Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim said. When asked by reporters who might have been behind it, he answered:
Some details have started emerging, but the authorities are working towards a concrete result.Some details have started emerging, but the authorities are working towards a concrete result.
Police and security officials will share information as it becomes available during the investigation.Police and security officials will share information as it becomes available during the investigation.
1.24pm GMT1.24pm GMT
13:2413:24
Israeli, Lebanese, Libyan, Moroccan, and Saudi Arabian citizens were among 39 people killed when a gunman opened fire in an Istanbul nightclub during a New Year’s Eve celebration, Turkish authorities said. Another 69 people were injured. At least 15 of the dead are believed to be foreign nationals.Israeli, Lebanese, Libyan, Moroccan, and Saudi Arabian citizens were among 39 people killed when a gunman opened fire in an Istanbul nightclub during a New Year’s Eve celebration, Turkish authorities said. Another 69 people were injured. At least 15 of the dead are believed to be foreign nationals.
Interior minister Süleyman Soylu said that the gunman was still on the run, contrary to earlier statements by authorities that the assailant had been killed.Interior minister Süleyman Soylu said that the gunman was still on the run, contrary to earlier statements by authorities that the assailant had been killed.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Reina club, which is thought to have had up to 600 people inside at the time. The club is an exclusive hotspot popular with tourists and local residents that sits on the bank of the eastern side of the Bosphorus.No one has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Reina club, which is thought to have had up to 600 people inside at the time. The club is an exclusive hotspot popular with tourists and local residents that sits on the bank of the eastern side of the Bosphorus.
President Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey would “fight to the end” against all forms of terrorism. He accused the perpetrators of trying to “create chaos, demoralise our people, and destabilise our country”.President Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey would “fight to the end” against all forms of terrorism. He accused the perpetrators of trying to “create chaos, demoralise our people, and destabilise our country”.
The city’s governor, Vasip Sahin, said the attacker, armed with a long-barrelled weapon, killed a policeman and a civilian outside the Reina club at about 1.45am before moving inside. Video footage showed an apparent assailant dressed in black, in contradiction to a report suggesting he was wearing a Santa Claus costume.The city’s governor, Vasip Sahin, said the attacker, armed with a long-barrelled weapon, killed a policeman and a civilian outside the Reina club at about 1.45am before moving inside. Video footage showed an apparent assailant dressed in black, in contradiction to a report suggesting he was wearing a Santa Claus costume.
Witnesses reported a rush for the exits, bodies lying on the floor and people jumping into the river to escape the gunman. The club’s owner said extra security measures had been brought in in the past 10 days after US intelligence reports suggested a possible attack on crowded places in the city.Witnesses reported a rush for the exits, bodies lying on the floor and people jumping into the river to escape the gunman. The club’s owner said extra security measures had been brought in in the past 10 days after US intelligence reports suggested a possible attack on crowded places in the city.
There has been condemnation from across the world with the US State Department describing it as “heinous” and Barack Obama offering his condolences. The Russian president Vladimir Putin said it was “hard to imagine a more cynical crime” and Pope Francis said he was praying for the victims.There has been condemnation from across the world with the US State Department describing it as “heinous” and Barack Obama offering his condolences. The Russian president Vladimir Putin said it was “hard to imagine a more cynical crime” and Pope Francis said he was praying for the victims.
Leanne Nasser, 19, from the Israeli-Arab town of Tira Nasser was killed while celebrating with three friends. Her friend Ruaa Mansour, also 18, was moderately wounded in the attack. The other two friends were unharmed.Leanne Nasser, 19, from the Israeli-Arab town of Tira Nasser was killed while celebrating with three friends. Her friend Ruaa Mansour, also 18, was moderately wounded in the attack. The other two friends were unharmed.
Mehmet Görmez, Turkey’s most senior cleric, has condemned the attack as “savagery” and a “massacre that no Muslim conscience can accept”.Mehmet Görmez, Turkey’s most senior cleric, has condemned the attack as “savagery” and a “massacre that no Muslim conscience can accept”.
Conservative politicians and media who criticised the concept of New Year celebrations have come under scrutiny in the wake of the attack. An opposition politician called for those responsible for “messages which can damage our social peace” to resign.Conservative politicians and media who criticised the concept of New Year celebrations have come under scrutiny in the wake of the attack. An opposition politician called for those responsible for “messages which can damage our social peace” to resign.
1.04pm GMT1.04pm GMT
13:0413:04
The family of a Lebanese citizen who went missing after an attack in a nightclub in Istanbul said they have received news he was among those killed, Lebanon’s New TV reported. The channel said the family had been officially informed of Elias Wardini’s death.The family of a Lebanese citizen who went missing after an attack in a nightclub in Istanbul said they have received news he was among those killed, Lebanon’s New TV reported. The channel said the family had been officially informed of Elias Wardini’s death.
12.59pm GMT12.59pm GMT
12:5912:59
These pictures show flowers left at the scene of the attack.These pictures show flowers left at the scene of the attack.
12.56pm GMT12.56pm GMT
12:5612:56
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
Some of the marginal newspapers with a very conservative following like Akit and Milli Gazete published front page features yesterday on NYE celebrations. In Milli the headline was: “This is the last warning, don’t celebrate”.Some of the marginal newspapers with a very conservative following like Akit and Milli Gazete published front page features yesterday on NYE celebrations. In Milli the headline was: “This is the last warning, don’t celebrate”.
In Akit, the front page said “Down with your civilisation”, with pictures side by side of people in Syria and people partying.In Akit, the front page said “Down with your civilisation”, with pictures side by side of people in Syria and people partying.
An influential CHP deputy from Istanbul, Gursel Tekin, said at the hospital:An influential CHP deputy from Istanbul, Gursel Tekin, said at the hospital:
In the coming days we should be talking about this - in the last week there were so many messages which can damage our social peace but none of these messages were investigated. Those responsible should resign.In the coming days we should be talking about this - in the last week there were so many messages which can damage our social peace but none of these messages were investigated. Those responsible should resign.
Günlerdir yılbaşı kutlamalarını hedef gösteren #Akit İstanbul #Reina katliamı sonrası bu manşetle çıktı: Medeniyetiniz batsın. pic.twitter.com/jF5TlFcSe5Günlerdir yılbaşı kutlamalarını hedef gösteren #Akit İstanbul #Reina katliamı sonrası bu manşetle çıktı: Medeniyetiniz batsın. pic.twitter.com/jF5TlFcSe5
12.54pm GMT12.54pm GMT
12:5412:54
This is a list of terrorist attacks in Turkey since the summer of 2015, via the New York Times:This is a list of terrorist attacks in Turkey since the summer of 2015, via the New York Times:
List of terrorist attacks in Turkey since summer 2015, including 5 on Istanbul over the past year. Source: New York Times pic.twitter.com/YLPtKeDIhiList of terrorist attacks in Turkey since summer 2015, including 5 on Istanbul over the past year. Source: New York Times pic.twitter.com/YLPtKeDIhi
12.46pm GMT12.46pm GMT
12:4612:46
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
This is the scene at Sisli Etfal hospital where wounded and survivors were taken last night.This is the scene at Sisli Etfal hospital where wounded and survivors were taken last night.
There are few families as the nightclub is a known destination for foreigners, so many of the casualties do nOt have family here. Many roads in the city are closed off as they search for the attackers.There are few families as the nightclub is a known destination for foreigners, so many of the casualties do nOt have family here. Many roads in the city are closed off as they search for the attackers.
There are two foreigners at the hospital who are wounded and in a critical condition. There is also a wounded Turkish man who was shot in his spine and is getting psychological support and treatment.There are two foreigners at the hospital who are wounded and in a critical condition. There is also a wounded Turkish man who was shot in his spine and is getting psychological support and treatment.
Opposition CHP lawmaker Akif Hamzacebe described the assault as an “attack on a way of life” and and said it was “savage”.“The aim is to plant seeds of hatred among society,” he said. “We do not want to live with the acceptance of terror and the state should teach a lesson to the terrorist organisations.”Opposition CHP lawmaker Akif Hamzacebe described the assault as an “attack on a way of life” and and said it was “savage”.“The aim is to plant seeds of hatred among society,” he said. “We do not want to live with the acceptance of terror and the state should teach a lesson to the terrorist organisations.”
It is important to note that many conservatives prior to the attack were decrying the sinfulness of NYE celebrations and so some people see the attack as notable from a cultural point of view, hence the comment about it being an attack on a way of life, almost an attack on Turkey’s secular character.It is important to note that many conservatives prior to the attack were decrying the sinfulness of NYE celebrations and so some people see the attack as notable from a cultural point of view, hence the comment about it being an attack on a way of life, almost an attack on Turkey’s secular character.
An MHP lawmaker who visited the hospital described the dead as “martyrs”.“Those who committed this action against the stability of the Turkish state will drown in their own blood,” he said.An MHP lawmaker who visited the hospital described the dead as “martyrs”.“Those who committed this action against the stability of the Turkish state will drown in their own blood,” he said.
12.41pm GMT12.41pm GMT
12:4112:41
The Reina nightclub has long been a magnet to the rich and famous, my colleague Robert Booth writes:The Reina nightclub has long been a magnet to the rich and famous, my colleague Robert Booth writes:
Open since 2002, the venue on the banks of the Bosphorus has earned a reputation as the place to be seen among Turkey’s young, secular elite who recline on its white banquettes and are served ice buckets of drinks by aproned waiters.Open since 2002, the venue on the banks of the Bosphorus has earned a reputation as the place to be seen among Turkey’s young, secular elite who recline on its white banquettes and are served ice buckets of drinks by aproned waiters.
It attracts footballers from the top Turkish sides and stars from the country’s popular soap operas, as well as tourists and businesspeople from around the world. Daniel Craig, Kylie Minogue, Naomi Watts and Jon Bon Jovi are among the celebrities named as having been guests at the club, according to GC Prive, a London wealth management company that recommends the venue to its clients.It attracts footballers from the top Turkish sides and stars from the country’s popular soap operas, as well as tourists and businesspeople from around the world. Daniel Craig, Kylie Minogue, Naomi Watts and Jon Bon Jovi are among the celebrities named as having been guests at the club, according to GC Prive, a London wealth management company that recommends the venue to its clients.
12.38pm GMT12.38pm GMT
12:3812:38
The funeral of Ayhan Arik, one of the victims of the attack at the Reina nightclub, has been taking place in Istanbul. Arik reportedly drove tourists to the club. Islamic custom is to bury people as soon as possible after their death.The funeral of Ayhan Arik, one of the victims of the attack at the Reina nightclub, has been taking place in Istanbul. Arik reportedly drove tourists to the club. Islamic custom is to bury people as soon as possible after their death.
12.31pm GMT12.31pm GMT
12:3112:31
This video shows bullets ricocheting outside the Reina nightclub and a man who appears to be the attacker. It suggests that reports that the attacker was wearing a Santa Claus suit are wrong, as he appears to be dressed all in black.This video shows bullets ricocheting outside the Reina nightclub and a man who appears to be the attacker. It suggests that reports that the attacker was wearing a Santa Claus suit are wrong, as he appears to be dressed all in black.
Bullets ricochet outside #Reina nightclub where dozens were killed by gunman at New Year's Eve party in Istanbulhttps://t.co/WRiSlgmTev pic.twitter.com/Bty3lfncxTBullets ricochet outside #Reina nightclub where dozens were killed by gunman at New Year's Eve party in Istanbulhttps://t.co/WRiSlgmTev pic.twitter.com/Bty3lfncxT