ICC Note: In a video released by ISIS-linked Aamaq News Agency, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for the New Year’s Eve massacre in Istanbul. The attack killed 39 people and was targeting Christians ‘celebrating their pagan feast.’ The shooter has not yet been arrested or identified by media outlets in Turkey, however 8 have been arrested for questioning.

01/03/2017 Turkey (NYPost): Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ordered the New Year’s Eve massacre at an upscale nightclub in Istanbul that claimed 39 lives and left scores wounded, it was reported Monday.

The massacre was carried out by a “heroic soldier of the caliphate who attacked the most famous nightclub where Christians were celebrating their pagan feast,” the ISIS-linked Aamaq News Agency said.

The gunman used an automatic rifle in “revenge for God’s religion and in response to the orders” from al-Baghdadi, the news outlet reported.

The terror group described Turkey as “the servant of the cross.”

Anti-terrorism investigators have detained eight people for questioning, but not the shooter, whose identity remains a mystery.

Turkish media, citing authorities, reported that the suspect was likely from either Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan.

The gunman fatally shot a police officer and another man outside club Reina after revelers had just rung in the New Year.

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