The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul that took place during a Sunday Mass, resulting in the death of one person. The extremist group released a statement late Sunday, stating that they had 'attacked a gathering of Christian unbelievers during their polytheistic ceremony' inside the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Buyukdere neighborhood.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two individuals believed to be members of the Islamic State group had been arrested in connection with the attack. One suspect hails from Tajikistan, while the other is from Russia. Turkish authorities took swift action, raiding 30 locations and detaining a total of 47 people as part of their investigation into the attack.
The statement claiming responsibility for the attack was published on Aamaq, the media arm of the militant group. The statement was accompanied by photos of two masked men holding guns, identified as the attackers by the group. The Islamic State described the attack as resulting in the death of one person and injuring another. However, Turkish authorities have clarified that no one was injured apart from the individual who lost their life.
The attack prompted a media ban on coverage by Turkish authorities. The Mayor of Sariyer district, Sukru Genc, revealed that the gunmen fled the scene when their weapon malfunctioned after firing two rounds. Genc further disclosed that among the attendees at the Mass were Polish Consul General Witold Lesniak and his family, all of whom managed to escape unharmed.
Offering condolences, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached out to Consul General Lesniak and the priest of Santa Maria Church, Rev. Anton Bulai. This attack on a place of worship marks an unsettling development, as the Islamic State has not previously targeted religious sites in Turkey. Nevertheless, the extremist group has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks in the country, including the 2017 Istanbul nightclub shooting that claimed the lives of 39 people, as well as the 2015 Ankara bombing that resulted in the deaths of 109 individuals.
Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of Istanbul extended his condolences and support to religious minorities in the city, emphasizing that there are no minorities in Istanbul or in the country, as everyone is considered equal citizens.
Even Pope Francis addressed the attack during his remarks at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, expressing his solidarity with the church community in Istanbul. He offered his condolences following the armed attack that claimed one life and left several wounded.
The Santa Maria Church is managed by an Italian order of Franciscan friars. Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, expressed his condolences and firm condemnation for the 'vile' attack on the church. He trusts that the Turkish authorities will apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
The situation surrounding the attack at Santa Maria Church continues to be monitored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Italian Embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Istanbul. As the investigation unfolds, the global community stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, hoping for justice to prevail.
