US denies having intelligence on Istanbul club attack

The US embassy in Turkey on Sunday rejected media claims it had prior intelligence about the deadly terror attack at an Istanbul nightclub.

Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, the US Government had no information about threats to specific entertainment venues, including the Reina Club, and ‎the US Government did not warn Americans to stay away from specific venues or neighbourhoods

At least 39 people, including a police officer, died after an attacker opened fire on partygoers at the venue in Istanbul’s Ortakoy district in the early hours of New Year’s Day. 69 people were also hurt, with a number of foreigners among the dead and injured.

“As the White House and our embassy indicated earlier today, we categorically condemn last night’s terrorist attack,” the US statement continued.

The statement came after Mehmet Kocarslan, owner of Reina nightclub, claimed US sources had intelligence on the attack, but later clarified his remarks, saying the US had warned its citizens against such attacks.

Erdogan: Turkey to fight against terrorism ’till end’

The embassy in Ankara said a general threat warning was issued on December 22 “for Turkey and various parts of Europe, as we do whenever there are indications that American citizens might be targeted or subjected to violence”.

“The US and Turkish agencies consult closely in combating terrorism, including by sharing information on suspected terrorist threats. This cooperation will continue as we confront the shared threat of terrorism,” it added.