Istanbul’s Santa Maria church tragedy investigation uncovers plans for more attacks

Turkish authorities intensify their crackdown after the Santa Maria Church attack, bringing the total arrests to 26 in a fight against terrorism

Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has arrested another suspect in the Jan. 28 attack at Santa Maria Church in Sariyer, Istanbul, where citizen Tuncer Cihan tragically lost his life.

This arrest brings the total number of detainees to 26.

Authorities have identified the latest suspect as Nazhmuddin Bisultanov, also known as ‘Abu Suleyman,’ a member of the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

His arrest marks a significant step in the extensive operation targeting ISIS, which initially detained 51 suspects across 30 locations.

The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Intelligence Branch Directorate provided critical intelligence leading to Bisultanov’s arrest.

Reports indicate that he fled the country on Feb. 3 from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Investigations revealed Bisultanov’s connections with key suspects, including Andrei Guzun, whose real name is Adam Khamirzaev.

Further, Turkish intelligence suggests Khamirzaev and his associates, possibly including Bisultanov, were planning additional attacks in Türkiye and potentially the United States.

The group was also organizing weapon training for 2023-2024 with Abu Sayfullah al-Shishani and acquiring materials for future attacks.

Examination of Bisultanov’s digital materials revealed he had reset his mobile phone shortly before the attack, possibly intended to destroy evidence.

Investigators found a note in Russian about a “Bosnia prison address” and details of his detention in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In his statement, Bisultanov admitted having seen fellow suspects Amirjon Kholikov, Andrei Guzun, and Islam Magamedov. It was noted that Bisultanov did not have a permanent residence in Türkiye.

The investigation into the Santa Maria Church attack, which resulted in the death of Tuncer Cihan, has led to 26 arrests.

Out of the initially detained 51 suspects, authorities deported 23 after finding no connection to the attack.

The court has charged 25 suspects, including the primary assailants Amirjon Khliqov and David Tanduev, with “membership in a terrorist organization” and “premeditated murder.” Nine other suspects were released under judicial control.

Source: Newsroom