World
Turkish police launched a massive manhunt for a gunman who opened fire on a group of New Year revelers at Reina nightclub in Istanbul, killing at least 39 people early on Sunday. The attack follows a series of deadly assaults in the capital Ankara and Istanbul, some carried out by Kurdish militants and others blamed on the jihadist group Islamic State.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the brutal act, adding that the terrorist groups aim “to create chaos” and destabilize the country with such attacks, reports the BBC.
World leaders rallied to denounce the attack, with the U.S. State Department describing it as “heinous”, while Russia called it the most cynical crime, notes The Guardian.
A few days ago, a pro-Islamic group urged its supporters to carry out “lone wolves” attacks on celebrations, gatherings and clubs, writes Reuters. Europe has been on high alert after a recent attack at a Christmas market in Berlin, which left 12 people dead.
