Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Attack on Catholic Church in Istanbul

One Person Killed in Sunday Mass Attack

ISTANBUL – The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul during a Sunday Mass, resulting in the death of one person. The extremist group released a statement late Sunday, stating that they “attacked a gathering of Christian unbelievers during their polytheistic ceremony” in the Buyukdere neighborhood in Istanbul.

Arrests Made in Connection with the Attack

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that two individuals, identified as members of the Islamic State group, have been arrested in connection with the attack. One of the suspects hails from Tajikistan, while the other is from Russia.

ISIS Claims Responsibility

The Islamic State group’s media arm, Aamaq, published a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. The statement was accompanied by photos of two masked gunmen, identified as the attackers. Turkish authorities reported one fatality, while the extremist group mentioned one fatality and another person being wounded.

Authorities Conduct Raids and Detain Suspects

In response to the attack, Turkish police conducted raids at 30 locations and detained multiple suspects believed to have links to the shooting. Interior Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and unity in the country, stating, “We will never tolerate those who try to disrupt the peace of our country – terrorists, their collaborators, both national and international criminal groups, and those who aim at our unity and solidarity.”

According to DHA, a private news agency, 51 individuals were detained during the police raids. Among them, 23 were sent to holding centers awaiting deportation. It was revealed that the two suspects had brought a car from Poland to Istanbul a year ago, which had remained unused until the day of the shooting. The attackers fled the scene when their weapon jammed, causing panic.

Support and Condolences from Political Figures

Sukru Genc, the mayor of Sariyer district where the attack occurred, confirmed that attendees at the Mass included Polish Consul General Witold Lesniak and his family, who fortunately remained unharmed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached out to both Lesniak and the priest of Santa Maria Church, Reverend Anton Bulai, to offer his condolences.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu expressed his condolences and support for religious minorities in the city. He emphasized that there are no minorities in Istanbul or the country, stating, “We are all actual citizens.”

Previous Attacks by ISIS in Turkey

In recent years, the Islamic State has carried out a series of deadly attacks in Turkey. Notably, a shooting at an Istanbul nightclub in 2017 claimed the lives of 39 people, and a 2015 bomb attack in Ankara killed 109 individuals. However, this is the first time the extremist group has specifically targeted a place of worship in Turkey.

International Reactions

Pope Francis acknowledged the attack during his remarks at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, expressing his closeness to the community of the Istanbul church. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani tweeted his condolences and firm condemnation for the attack, expressing confidence in the Turkish authorities’ ability to apprehend those responsible.

The Santa Maria Church in Istanbul is operated by an Italian order of Franciscan friars. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Italian Embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul, is closely monitoring the situation.

This article includes reporting from Associated Press journalist Maamoun Youssef in Cairo.