Turkish authorities have detained Viskhan Soltamatiov, a suspected Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant believed to have orchestrated a January 28 attack on the Church of Santa Maria in İstanbul, officials announced on Saturday, Turkish media reported.
The National Intelligence Organization (MİT) confirmed that Soltamatiov played a key role in planning the assault and was responsible for supplying the weapon used during the attack. The operation, conducted jointly by MİT and local police, led to his arrest in İstanbul’s Sarıyer district.
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On January 28, 2024 two masked gunmen affiliated with ISIL’s Khorasan Province (ISKP) targeted the Santa Maria Italian church during a Sunday service, resulting in the death of Turkish citizen Tuncer Cihan. The attack marked a significant escalation in ISKP’s activities in Turkey.
Earlier investigations revealed connections between the attack and operatives from ISKP, a faction active in Afghanistan. In April Turkish authorities had detained 48 individuals suspected of involvement in the attack.
The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had previously charged 42 suspects, including Tajik national Amirjon Kholiqov and Russian citizen David Tanduev, with planning the attack. However, initial indictments were returned due to procedural deficiencies. The prosecution has appealed the decision, urging the court to approve the charges after addressing the procedural issues.
