Turkey: Alleged Istanbul nightclub attacker identified as Uzbek IS militant
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 January 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey: Alleged Istanbul nightclub attacker identified as Uzbek IS militant, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a40b26.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 09, 2017
A Turkish special-force police officer patrols in front of the Reina nightclub in Istanbul, three days after a gunman killed 39 people early on January 1.
Turkish police have identified the alleged New Year's Eve nightclub attacker in Istanbul as a citizen of Uzbekistan named Abdulkadir Masharipov.
Media reports quoted Istanbul police during the weekend as saying that Masharipov, known by the nickname "Abu Muhammed Horasani," had links with the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Syria and Iraq.
Masharipov's current whereabouts remains unknown as Turkish security forces and police continue to search for him and possible accomplices.
Masharipov, who was living in Turkey since 2011, is suspected to be the gunman who burst into Istanbul's waterfront Reina nightclub with an automatic weapon and began shooting partygoers early on January 1.
Thirty-nine people were killed.
IS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Based on reporting by Hurriyet and Ahaber.com.tr
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
