The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the shooting at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year\u2019s Eve, which killed 39 people and injured nearly 70.
The ISIS-affiliated Aamaq News Agency released a message Monday saying the attack was carried out by a \u201cheroic soldier of the caliphate who attacked the most famous nightclub where Christians were celebrating their pagan feast.\u201d
Aamaq described Turkey as \u201cthe servant of the cross\u201d and said the attack was \u201crevenge for God\u2019s religion and in response to the orders\u201d from leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Thousands of officers are searching for the unidentified suspect behind the attack. Initial reports claimed the shooter wore a Santa suit during the attack, which was later denied by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Investigators assume the shooter changed clothes before fleeing the venue. (RELATED: Istanbul Attack Is Turkey\u2019s Fourth Terror Incident In Less Than One Month)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attacker aimed at creating further chaos in the country.
\u201cThey are working to destroy our country\u2019s morale and create chaos by deliberately targeting our nation\u2019s peace and targeting civilians with these heinous attacks,\u201d Erdogan said in a statement on the presidency website, according to AFP. \u201cTurkey is determined to continue to fight to the end against terror and to do whatever is necessary to ensure the security of its citizens and secure peace in the region.\u201d
Victims of the attack came from 14 different countries .
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