Turkey: 39 killed in an attack at Reina nightclub in Istanbul – Terrorist Still On The Lose

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Staff Writer - RN1 in Europe, International News, Middle East // 0 Comments

2017 has had a bloody start for Turkey with 39 people killed including 1 police officer and about 15 foreigners (The foreign victims include citizens from Israel, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya and Lebanon) in an attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul, 65 wounded, 4 in a critical condition. Officials describe it as a ‘Terror Attack’.

Witnesses reported a rush for the exits, bodies lying on the floor and people jumping into the river to escape the gunman.

Security has been increased across the city following the attack in the district of Ortakoy. The US embassy has told its citizens to avoid the area and urged them to contact relatives to let them know they are safe.

The Guardian reported on Sunday citing Turkish Interior Minister, Süleyman Soylu, that the attacker is still on the loose. Earlier government reports stated there was a lone gunman who was killed by police.

A further 69 people are being treated in hospitals across the city.

Reina’s nightclub had been warned about a possible attack and security measures had been taken according to the owner.

The state-run Anadolu news agency has quoted the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as expressing his “deep sadness” over the attack. He is getting regular updates on the investigation and the casualties from the prime minister, Binali Yıldırım.

The Governor of Istanbul, Vasip Sahin, called the incident a terror attack and said one police officer was among the dead. Reports said several foreign nationals were among the wounded.Mr Sahin said 1 attacker entered the Reina night club in Istanbul dressed in Santa costumes, and armed with Kalashnikovs opened fire randomly.

Photo of the lone Terrorist changing his clothes before fleeing the bar in Istanbul after he killed at least 35 people, injurying 40

Other details remained sketchy more than an hour after the attack, and it was not immediately clear whether one or two gunmen were involved. Private NTV television said at least one gunman is believed to have gained entry to the club dressed as Santa Claus. There were reports of partygoers jumping into the river to escape the gunman.

Turkish media say around 500 to 600 people were inside the nightclub in Istanbul at the time of the attack. Associated Press is reporting police cordoned off the area about 3 kilometers away from the nightclub.

Turkey has seen a number of terror attacks recently. Less than a fortnight ago, the Russian ambassador, Andrei Karlov, was shot dead by off-duty Turkish policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas as he gave a speech in the capital Ankara in December.

#Turkey Footage near #İstanbul nightclub, where gunfire was reported. Turkish TV says there are injured people pic.twitter.com/D6Sesl9xfd

— Rosy (@rose_k01) December 31, 2016

BREAKING | First footage of attacker wearing Santa Claus killing many in #Istanbul. pic.twitter.com/ohzOmR6I6T

— Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) December 31, 2016

BREAKING | Suspect wearing Santa Claus is allegedly hiding in the night club where many killed. #IstanbulAttack pic.twitter.com/1KrPdYdYBj

— Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) December 31, 2016