A foreign intelligence agency involved in Istanbul nightclub attack: Turkish Deputy PM

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş states intelligence agency involved in Istanbul nightclub attack

The terror attack that hit an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Eve was carried out professionally with the involvement of a foreign intelligence organization, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said during an interview with Turkish broadcaster A Haber on Monday.

“It appears the Reina attack is not just a terrorist organization’s act, but there was also an intelligence organization involved. It was an extremely planned and organized act,” Kurtulmuş said.The attack that Kurtulmuş mentioned left 39 people, including nationals of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Lebanon, Libya, Israel, India, a Turkish-Belgian dual citizen and a Franco-Tunisian woman.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

Only days before the attack, an online message from a pro-Daesh terrorist group called for attacks by “lone wolves” on “celebrations, gatherings and clubs”.

‘US should extradite or try terrorist Gülen’

The Turkish Deputy PM also reiterated Turkey’s demand for the United States (US) to extradite Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) Leader Fetullah Gülen.

“It would be for not only Turkey’s but also US’ benefit to extradite or at least try Gülen and don’t let the him lead its terrorist organization. Because such a move would improve bilateral relations of US and Turkey,” Kurtulmuş said.

The July 15 coup bid that targeted the democratically-elected government of Turkey, was led by FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen, who currently resides in the U.S.

Turkey has been demanding the immediate extradition of the terrorist leader from the U.S., as talks on the matter are ongoing between the two countries.