The terrorist responsible for the New Year's Eve assault at Reina nightclub in Istanbul, Uzbek national Abdulkadir Masharipov, received military training in terrorist camps in Afghanistan between 2011 and 2012. He declared his allegiance to Daesh in 2015.
Masharipov opened fire at Reina, killing at least 39 people and wounding 69 others. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack. He was caught during a police operation in Istanbul's Esenyurt district. He is still under investigation at the Istanbul Anti-Terror Branch.
During the interrogations, Masharipov constantly asked about his son, security sources said. Masharipov has expressed that he is willing to speed up his cooperation with the police if they can find his son.
Allegedly taken to Istanbul's Pendik district by Daesh terrorists, the young boy has not been found yet despite continuing raids.
Masharipov was linked to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a designated terrorist organization, before joining Daesh.
Intelligence sources have reported that Abu Cihad, a Daesh emir, was responsible for convincing and preparing Masharipov to carry out a terror attack in Turkey.
Masharipov reached out to Abu Cihad multiple times and conversations between the pair were found on Masharipov's phone, intelligence sources said.
The identity of the Daesh emir Abu Cihad is being investigated.
Recent operations targeting the Daesh terrorist organization have led to the capture of 15 suicide bombers and 28 Daesh militants.
Security forces uncovered an illegal mosque established by the terrorist group in Istanbul's Sultanbeyli suburb used to lure and influence young children. It was also discovered that the terrorists were scouting a mosque frequented by Ja'fari Muslims in Istanbul's Halkali suburb for an attack.
One of the terrorists who was arrested for scouting out areas for attacks had links to three Daesh suicide bombers who were previously sent to prison.
