Turkish Authorities Capture Key Islamic State Militant Behind Istanbul Church Attack

In a significant victory for counterterrorism efforts, Turkish authorities have arrested Viskhan Soltamatov, an Islamic State (IS) militant believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly January 2024 attack on the Santa Maria Italian Church in Istanbul. The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) announced Soltamatov’s capture in a joint operation with local police, marking a crucial development in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region. Soltamatov is suspected of being the central figure in orchestrating the attack that resulted in the tragic death of one Turkish citizen, and he is believed to have supplied the weapon used in the assault.

The attack on the Santa Maria Church, carried out by gunmen linked to the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISKP), sent shockwaves through Istanbul and beyond, as IS once again demonstrated its far-reaching capabilities. Turkish authorities have been aggressively pursuing individuals connected to the assault, arresting 48 suspects linked to the ISKP faction in April. Soltamatov’s arrest underscores Turkey’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing further violence. As the investigation continues, the capture of a key figure like Soltamatov offers a ray of hope to a city still healing from the pain of the attack, and it reinforces the global need for vigilance in the face of extremist threats.