ISIS claims responsibility for Istanbul nightclub attack

The ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Reina Club in Istanbul that claimed the lives of 39 people and left several others wounded on New Year's Eve.

Local Turkish media had reported that authorities believe the attacker to be linked to the militant group and might be from Central Asia.

"In continuation of the blessed operations that Islamic State is conducting against the protector of the cross, Turkey, a heroic soldier of the caliphate struck one of the most famous nightclubs where the Christians celebrate their apostate holiday." the Guardian quoted the group reportedly, as saying in a statement.

Police is investigating and considering the attacker to be linked with the same cell that carried out suicide bomb and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport in June.

A massive manhunt for the attacker is still underway.

The attack comes three weeks after twin bombings in Istanbul killed at least 45 people, mostly police officers.