Turkey Arrests Suspected Planner of Istanbul Church Attack Linked to Islamic State, According to Reuters

ANKARA – Turkish authorities have apprehended an Islamic State militant believed to be involved in orchestrating an attack on the Santa Maria Italian Church in Istanbul earlier this year, according to the country’s intelligence agency.

The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) reported that the suspect, named Viskhan Soltamatov, is considered a key figure behind the attack that took place on January 28, 2024. He was arrested during a coordinated operation conducted by MIT and local police in Istanbul.

The agency also indicated that Soltamatov is suspected of having supplied the weapon used in the assault.

In January, the attack resulted in the death of a Turkish citizen after two gunmen affiliated with Islamic State targeted the Italian church. The incident was linked to operatives from the Khorasan Province (ISKP), a faction active in Afghanistan. Earlier, in April, Turkey arrested 48 individuals believed to be connected to the attack.