Istanbul nightclub attacker ‘switched target’ after Raqqa order

The man suspected of carrying out the shooting at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Eve is said to have switched his target due to heavy security measures in Taksim Square, Turkish media says

Abdulgadir Masharipov said ISIS militants in Syria’s Raqqa initially told him to attack an area in Taksim Square
Abdulgadir Masharipov said ISIS militants in Syria’s Raqqa initially told him to attack an area in Taksim Square

The man suspected of killing 39 people in an attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Eve said the venue was chosen at random, Turkish media reported.

Abdulgadir Masharipov said ISIS militants in Syria’s Raqqa initially told him to attack an area in Taksim Square. However, he was forced to change his target because of heavy security in the area, according to the Hurriyet newspaper.

“I came to Taksim on New Year's Eve but there intense security measures. It didn’t seem possible to carry out the attack," he was quoted as saying.

"I was given instructions to search for a new target in the area. Reina looked suitable for the attack. There didn't seem to be many security measures," he added.

The Uzbek national was captured by Turkish police on Monday after being on the run for two weeks.

IS has claimed responsibility for the attack, which the group said it had ordered in revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

Citizens of Israel, France, Tunisia, Lebanon, India, Belgium, Jordan and Saudi Arabia were among the victims, and dozens of people were injured.