TURKEY, Jan 28: During Sunday service at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul's Sariyer district, two masked gunmen opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of one person, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Authorities are actively engaged in efforts to apprehend the assailants.

The attack occurred at approximately 08:40 GMT, with the targeted victim being a participant in the service. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, addressing reporters outside the church, revealed that the victim was a Turkish national, emphasizing that the attackers specifically aimed at one person, and no other individuals were harmed.

A comprehensive investigation has been initiated, and Interior Minister Yerlikaya affirmed the commencement of efforts to capture the attackers. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are diligently working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. Footage from the scene depicted a heightened police presence, including several police cars and an ambulance.

President Tayyip Erdogan extended condolences by personally contacting the church's priest, a local administrator from his ruling party, and Poland's consul general in Istanbul. Pope Francis, expressing his sympathy during his weekly Angelus prayer, conveyed his condolences to the community of Saint Mary Draperis Church in Istanbul, which suffered an armed attack during the mass, resulting in one fatality.