Turkish intelligence has apprehended a man implicated in orchestrating and arming the January attack on Istanbul’s Santa Maria Italian Church, which was claimed by the terrorist group Daesh.
The suspect, Viskhan Soltamatiov, a known Daesh member, was captured in a coordinated operation conducted by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Security Directorate General, according to security sources who spoke anonymously on Saturday.
Soltamatiov has been identified as a significant figure connected to the Daesh affiliate based in Afghanistan’s Khorasan Province.
His capture underscores Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing security measures both domestically and internationally.
The assault occurred on January 28 during Sunday services at Santa Maria Church in the Buyukdere neighborhood of Istanbul’s Sariyer district. The attack resulted in the tragic death of 52-year-old Tuncer Murat Cihan.
This operation reflects the Turkish authorities’ dedication to addressing and preventing terrorist activities within the country.
