- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104054213-turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-erdogan-liveshot-00005927.jpg?q=x_477,y_92,h_812,w_1443,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104054213-turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-erdogan-liveshot-00005927.jpg?q=x_477,y_92,h_812,w_1443,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-04T11:00:19Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/04/turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-lee-liveshot.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey identified gunman of massacre lee liveshot" data-first-publish-slug="turkey identified gunman of massacre lee liveshot" data-video-tags="arrests,crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal law,criminal offenses,homicide,law and legal system,law enforcement,leisure and lifestyle,mass murder,middle east,middle east and north africa,murder,shootings,turkey" data-details="">
turkey identified gunman of massacre erdogan liveshot_00005927.jpg
Turkey IDs killer in nightclub attack
02:05 - Source: CNN
Istanbul nightclub attack 13 videos
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104054213-turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-erdogan-liveshot-00005927.jpg?q=x_477,y_92,h_812,w_1443,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104054213-turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-erdogan-liveshot-00005927.jpg?q=x_477,y_92,h_812,w_1443,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-04T11:00:19Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/04/turkey-identified-gunman-of-massacre-lee-liveshot.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey identified gunman of massacre lee liveshot" data-first-publish-slug="turkey identified gunman of massacre lee liveshot" data-video-tags="arrests,crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal law,criminal offenses,homicide,law and legal system,law enforcement,leisure and lifestyle,mass murder,middle east,middle east and north africa,murder,shootings,turkey" data-details="">
turkey identified gunman of massacre erdogan liveshot_00005927.jpg
Turkey IDs killer in nightclub attack
02:05
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170102150941-t1-istanbul-night-club-victims.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_900,w_1599,c_fill/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170102150941-t1-istanbul-night-club-victims.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_900,w_1599,c_fill/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-03T01:13:58Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/02/istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-sidner.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack sidner" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack sidner" data-video-tags="istanbul,middle east,middle east and north africa,turkey" data-details="">
t1 istanbul night club victims
At least 27 foreigners dead in Istanbul attack
02:30
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104061929-erdogan-on-turkey-massacre-sot-00000000.jpg?q=x_152,y_10,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170104061929-erdogan-on-turkey-massacre-sot-00000000.jpg?q=x_152,y_10,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-04T12:27:34Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/04/erdogan-on-turkey-massacre-sot.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="erdogan on turkey massacre sot" data-first-publish-slug="erdogan on turkey massacre sot" data-video-tags="international relations and national security,middle east,middle east and north africa,national security,political figures - intl,recep tayyip erdogan,terrorism,terrorism and counter-terrorism,terrorist attacks,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war" data-details="">
erdogan on turkey massacre sot_00000000.jpg
Turkey's president on recent terror attack
01:27
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170102181512-istanbul-nightclub-attack-suspect-selfie.jpg?q=x_188,y_36,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/170102181512-istanbul-nightclub-attack-suspect-selfie.jpg?q=x_188,y_36,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Situation Room " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-02T23:24:04Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/02/istanbul-nightclub-attack-isis-claims-responsibility-todd-tsr-dnt.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul nightclub attack isis claims responsibility todd tsr dnt" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul nightclub attack isis claims responsibility todd tsr dnt" data-video-tags="crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal offenses,international relations and national security,isis,istanbul,leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,national security,shootings,terrorism,terrorism and counter-terrorism,terrorist attacks,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war" data-details="">
istanbul nightclub attack suspect selfie
Police release new photo of Istanbul gunman
02:13
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231191413-02-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_2079,w_3694,c_fill/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231191413-02-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_2079,w_3694,c_fill/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-02T09:09:29Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/02/turkey-nightclub-attack-isis-claims-responsibility-lee-lklv.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey nightclub attack isis claims responsibility lee lklv" data-first-publish-slug="turkey nightclub attack isis claims responsibility lee lklv" data-video-tags="crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal offenses,homicide,international relations and national security,isis,istanbul,leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,national security,terrorism,terrorism and counter-terrorism,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war" data-details="">
Medics and security officials work at the scene after an attack at a popular nightclub in Istanbul, early Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Turkey's state-run news agency said an armed assailant has opened fire at a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year's celebrations.(IHA via AP)
ISIS claims responsibility for Istanbul attack
01:11
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231204637-11-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_3,y_0,h_1347,w_2394,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231204637-11-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_3,y_0,h_1347,w_2394,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Newsroom " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T19:33:54Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/01/istanbul-nightclub-attack-sidner-nr-live.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul nightclub attack sidner nr live" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul nightclub attack sidner nr live" data-video-tags="crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal investigations,criminal law,criminal offenses,fugitives and manhunts,istanbul,law and legal system,leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,shootings,turkey" data-details="">
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JANUARY 1: Turkish police secure the area at Ortakoy district near night club Reina on January 1, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin says at least 35 dead and 40 wounded at terror attack at Istanbul's famous night club of Reina in Bosphorus shores in the new year party. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
Manhunt underway for Istanbul suspect
02:16
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231204537-10-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_1386,w_2463,c_fill/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231204537-10-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_1386,w_2463,c_fill/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T06:54:19Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/01/turkey-attack-nightclub-shooting-lee-update.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey attack nightclub shooting lee update" data-first-publish-slug="turkey attack nightclub shooting lee update" data-video-tags="leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,turkey" data-details="">
People react at the site of an armed attack January 1, 2017 in Istanbul. At least two people were killed in an armed attack Saturday on an Istanbul nightclub where people were celebrating the New Year, Turkish television reports said. / AFP / YASIN AKGUL (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)
Dozens killed at Turkish nightclub
01:44
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231222744-turkish-night-club-security-footage.jpg?q=x_443,y_351,h_619,w_1100,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231222744-turkish-night-club-security-footage.jpg?q=x_443,y_351,h_619,w_1100,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Newsroom " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T03:40:09Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/01/turkey-attacks-new-video-club-exterior-seg-nr.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey attacks new video club exterior seg nr" data-first-publish-slug="turkey attacks new video club exterior seg nr" data-video-tags="istanbul,leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war" data-details="">
Turkish night club security footage
Istanbul attack: Video shows gunshots ricochet
00:52
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231192631-istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-ian-lee-beeper-00011617.jpg?q=x_198,y_0,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231192631-istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-ian-lee-beeper-00011617.jpg?q=x_198,y_0,h_874,w_1554,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Newsroom " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T00:34:40Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/01/istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-ian-lee-beeper.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack ian lee beeper" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack ian lee beeper" data-video-tags="middle east,middle east and north africa,turkey" data-details="">
istanbul turkey nightclub attack ian lee beeper_00011617.jpg
Turkey witness: I got shot in the leg
01:23
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231185734-istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-vo-nr-00002425.jpg?q=x_317,y_164,h_619,w_1100,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231185734-istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-vo-nr-00002425.jpg?q=x_317,y_164,h_619,w_1100,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Newsroom " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T00:03:00Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/12/31/istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attack-vo-nr.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack vo nr" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul turkey nightclub attack vo nr" data-video-tags="istanbul,leisure and lifestyle,middle east,middle east and north africa,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war,crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal offenses,shootings" data-details="">
istanbul turkey nightclub attack vo nr_00002425.jpg
Attacker reportedly opens fire at Turkey nightclub
00:48
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231193204-05-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_1744,w_3099,c_fill/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161231193204-05-istanbul-nightclub-attack-0101.jpg?q=x_0,y_0,h_1744,w_3099,c_fill/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Newsroom " data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2017-01-01T00:52:19Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/01/01/istanbul-shooting-turkish-pm-beeper.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="istanbul shooting turkish pm beeper" data-first-publish-slug="istanbul shooting turkish pm beeper" data-video-tags="government and public administration,government bodies and offices,prime ministers,crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal offenses,istanbul,middle east,middle east and north africa,muslim extremists,shootings,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war,legislative bodies,leisure and lifestyle" data-details="">
An ambulance rushes from the scene of an attack in Istanbul, early Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Turkey's state-run news agency said an armed assailant has opened fire at a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year's celebrations. (AP Photo/Halit Onur Sandal)
Turkish official: Signs point to 'jihadist attack'
01:45
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161215115520-istanbul-bomb-forensic-team.jpg?q=x_304,y_125,h_1013,w_1801,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/161215115520-istanbul-bomb-forensic-team.jpg?q=x_304,y_125,h_1013,w_1801,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2016-12-14T14:10:14Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/12/13/turkey-attacks-explainer-sfc-orig.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey attacks explainer sfc orig" data-first-publish-slug="turkey attacks explainer sfc orig" data-video-tags="bombings,international relations and national security,middle east,middle east and north africa,national security,terrorism,terrorism and counter-terrorism,terrorist attacks,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war" data-details="">
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - DECEMBER 10: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image contains graphic content) Forensic policemen and officers attend the scene following a twin suicide bomb attack near to Besiktas Vodaphone Arena on December 10, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. According to reports, at least 13 people were killed by a twin suicide bomb attack near to the Besiktas Vodaphone Arena, which is believed to have been targeting riot police. (Photo by Kurtulus Ari /Getty Images)
Why are attacks so frequent in Turkey?
02:05
Now playing
- Source: CNN
- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/140328112814-turkey-protests-hands.jpg?q=x_4,y_230,h_2095,w_3725,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/140328112814-turkey-protests-hands.jpg?q=x_4,y_230,h_2095,w_3725,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
" data-timestamp-html="
Updated 5:23 PM EST, Sat January 14, 2017
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2016-06-29T00:20:33Z" data-video-section="world" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/06/28/turkey-terror-migrants-tourism-turmoil-nws-orig.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="turkey terror migrants tourism turmoil nws orig" data-first-publish-slug="turkey terror migrants tourism turmoil nws orig" data-video-tags="eastern europe,europe,immigration,immigration, citizenship and displacement,international relations and national security,middle east,middle east and north africa,national security,russia,terrorism,terrorism and counter-terrorism,turkey,unrest, conflicts and war,civil wars,syria,syria conflict,terrorist attacks" data-details="">
A protester holds up a Turkish flag as others raise their hands during a demonstration in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 8, 2013. Thousands of angry Turks took to the streets on June 8 to join mass anti-government protests, defying Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call to end the worst civil unrest of his decade-long rule. Erdogan, meanwhile, was meeting in Istanbul with top officials of his Justice and Development Party (AKP) to discuss the crisis, and a deputy prime minister was due to make a speech later on June 8. AFP PHOTO/BULENT KILIC (Photo credit should read BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images)
Turkey: A country in turmoil
01:09
Now playing
- Source: CNN

Story highlights

The two suspects are accused of belonging to an armed terrorist organization

The terrorist attack left 39 people dead and dozens wounded

CNN  — 

Turkish authorities arrested two Chinese citizens over alleged links to the New Year’s nightclub terrorist attack in Istanbul, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Omar Asim and Abuliezi Abuduhamiti have been accused of being members of an “armed terror organization” and of involvement in 39 counts of murder, the news agency reported.

This handout video grab taken from CCTV and released on January 2, 2017 by Haber Turk Gazete newspaper shows an gunman carrying out an attack on the Reina nightclub, on the bank of the Bosphorus, in Istanbul on January 1, 2017. The Islamic State group on January 2, 2017 claimed responsibility for an attack on a nightclub in the Turkish city of Istanbul that killed 39 people on New Year's Eve. In a statement circulated on social media, the jihadist group said one of the "soldiers of the caliphate" had carried out the attack on the Reina nightclub, on the bank of the Bosphorus. / AFP PHOTO / HABER TURK GAZETE / STRINGER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / CCTV / STRINGER" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images
This handout video grab taken from CCTV and released on January 2, 2017 by Haber Turk Gazete newspaper shows an gunman carrying out an attack on the Reina nightclub, on the bank of the Bosphorus, in Istanbul on January 1, 2017. The Islamic State group on January 2, 2017 claimed responsibility for an attack on a nightclub in the Turkish city of Istanbul that killed 39 people on New Year's Eve. In a statement circulated on social media, the jihadist group said one of the "soldiers of the caliphate" had carried out the attack on the Reina nightclub, on the bank of the Bosphorus. / AFP PHOTO / HABER TURK GAZETE / STRINGER / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / CCTV / STRINGER" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images
HANDOUT/AFP/Getty Images
gallery

Related gallery Attack at Istanbul nightclub

A gunman opened fire, killing 39 people and wounding 69 others, during a New Year’s party at the upscale nightclub, Reina. Authorities are searching for the gunman who carried out the massacre.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted to Twitter, but CNN cannot independently verify it.

Days after the attack, Turkish police arrested several suspects who were from China’s northwestern Xinjiang region on charges of aiding and abetting, reported Anadolu.

Nightclub attack: Full coverage

  • Victims from 14 countries
  • Dozens killed when gunman opens fire
  • Istanbul club was a hot spot for celebrities
  • Bloody end to a grim year for Turkey
  • Timeline: Attacks in Turkey

    • Xinjiang is home to a Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group known as the Uyghurs. Anadolu says the two suspects are Uyghurs.

    So far, 35 people have been detained after the terrorist attack on the nightclub, Anadolu reported, citing police sources.