Lebanon denounces Istanbul nightclub attack

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year celebrations, which left at least 39 people killed, including three Lebanese.

In a cable to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Aoun said this condemnable act confirms the importance of cooperation and coordination with all countries to face terrorism and address its root cause.

A gunman stormed into a high-end nightclub known as Reina in the district of Besiktas, and shot at hundreds of people gathering there for New Year celebrations, killing 39 people and injuring 69 others, with four in critical condition, according to the Turkish authorities.

The police have launched a manhunt for the militant who is on the run after slipping out of the nightclub in chaos.

A Middle East Airlines plane, carrying a delegation from Lebanon's Foreign Ministry with a crew of the higher relief committee and a medical team, will be sent to check the condition of the wounded Lebanese and secure their transfer back home, according to a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

source: Xinhua