Greece Condemns New Year’s Eve Massacre in Istanbul Nightclub

Greece on Sunday condemned the mass shooting that took place at a New Year’s Eve party in a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey.

At least 39 people have been killed and at least 69 wounded by a man dressed as Santa that opened fire in the crowded Reina nightclub in the busy Besiktas district, located on the European bank of the Bosphorus. The attack in the nightclub happened around 1:15 am on Sunday, where more than 500 people were seeing in 2017. According to Turkish authorities, at least 16 of those killed are foreign nationals.

“We unequivocally condemn the barbaric terrorist attack with numerous casualties that occurred in the nightclub in Istanbul”, an announcement by Greece’s foreign ministry said. “We express our full solidarity with the Turkish people and convey heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes of a speedy recovery to the injured.”

Source: Reina (archive photo)

According to reports, at least one gunman is on the run, while it is unclear exactly how many attackers were present.

Some witnesses spoke of multiple attackers, but officials have not confirmed this.

“A manhunt for the terrorist is under way”, Turkey’s interior minister Suleyman Soylu told the press.

“Police have launched operations. We hope the attacker will be captured soon.”