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ISTANBUL (AP) — Some 100 people gathered outside an Istanbul nightclub Sunday to remember the victims of a deadly New Year's attack a year ago.
The group, holding carnations, observed a moment of silence. Among them were families of victims and consular and local officials. Islamic, Christian and Jewish prayers were recited.
Early on Jan. 1, 2017, an assailant shot his way into the Reina nightclub where hundreds were celebrating the New Year. Thirty-nine people were killed — mostly foreigners — and 79 wounded.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.
Lead suspect Abdulkadir Masharipov was apprehended in a police operation after two weeks in hiding. He is on trial along with 56 others.
Security measures have been ramped up across Turkey for this New Year's Eve. In Istanbul alone, 37,000 officers are on duty, multiple streets have been closed to traffic and large vehicles barred from entering certain districts. Several New Year's Eve street parties were canceled on security grounds.
Turkey has been hit by a string of attacks since 2015, blamed on Kurdish militants and IS.
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