ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - One person was killed in an apparent targeted attack at an Italian church in Istanbul on Sunday. The assailants remain at large.
Two masked assailants carried out an armed attack during mass in Santa Maria (St. Mary Draperis) church in Istanbul’s Sariyer district, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X. One person was killed.
“A large-scale investigation and operations to arrest the assailants have been initiated,” Yerlikaya said.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told journalists that the attackers targeted one specific person and no one else was injured.
It remains unknown what was the motive behind the attack.
The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility later in the day. The group published a picture of two masked men on its propaganda Telegram channel, claiming they had carried out “the attack on a Christian church” in Istanbul.
Turkish state media reported late on Sunday that Istanbul security forces have detained a suspect in connection with the attack who is now being interrogated. The suspect a week ago had used the same car used by the assailants.
The attack drew a wave of condemnation from political leaders.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held phone calls with the church’s priest and the Polish consul general, according to his media office.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on X that he instructed Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office to launch an investigation into the attack.
Pope Francis sent his condolences for the victim.
“I express my closeness to the community of the Church of St. Mary Draperis in Istanbul, which suffered an armed attack during Mass that killed one person and injured several others,” said the Pope on X.
Updated at 11:02 pm
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