ISTANBUL: Turkish officials have arrested 25 suspects in connection with the shooting incident that occurred during a church service in Istanbul last weekend, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on Friday.
Among those held in custody are the two suspected gunmen, previously apprehended by the police, believed to have affiliations with Daesh, Tunc said in a statement via social media. Earlier, the primary suspects, both foreign nationals were identified by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Daesh militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Istanbul. Tunc said that the 25 suspects are facing charges of belonging to an illegal organization.
The incident occurred on a Sunday morning at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul’s Sariyer district, resulting in the death of a Turkish citizen who was attending the service. The victim, a man with no political or religious affiliations, had entered the church during a walk. CCTV footage showed masked gunmen entering the premises of the Church and shooting the man who was walking ahead of them.
