One person dies after two masked gunmen attack Istanbul church during Mass

From Sky News, DW and the Telegraph

A person has died after two masked gunmen attacked a church in Istanbul during Sunday services. Two “masked assailants” attacked the Santa Maria Church in the Sariyer district at around 11.40am, Istanbul officials have said.

Turkish broadcaster T24 confirmed reports that one person died after being shot in the head during the attack.

They also reported that the attackers escaped, and others in the church threw themselves on the ground to protect themselves. No other injuries have been confirmed.

It is unclear what the motive behind the attack was and whether it is linked to any group.

Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s interior minister, said … an individual identified only as CT – who was among those attending Sunday’s service – had died after the armed attack.

Omer Celik, Turkey’s ruling AKP party spokesman, said the attackers took aim at a citizen during the mass.

There is always the possibility of a gang or crime execution, as no widespread casualties. But I fear a jihad attack.

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, also said: “We will never allow those who try to destroy our unity and peace by attacking the religious places of our city.”

Last December, Turkish security forces detained 32 suspects for alleged links to Islamic State militants who were planning attacks on churches and synagogues, as well as the Iraqi embassy.