ISIL claims responsibility for Istanbul nightclub attack: Report

ISTANBUL

REUTERS photo

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on Jan. 2 claimed the deadly nightclub attack in Istanbul targeting New Year’s revelers, which left 39 dead and 65 wounded, Reuters has reported.

"In continuation of the blessed operations that Islamic State is conducting against the protector of the cross, Turkey, a heroic soldier of the caliphate struck one of the most famous nightclubs where the Christians celebrate their apostate holiday," the jihadist group said in a statement, according to the agency.