Publish Date: 1 January 2017 - 10:34

ISTANBUL, Jan. 01, (MNA) – The terrorist attack at an nightclub in Istanbul has killed at least 39 and injured 69 - four of them critically -, the Turkish interior minister said.

As reported by Anadolu News Agency, Suleyman Soylu told reporters that 21 victims have been identified.

"16 of the victims are foreigners while the other five are Turkish citizens," the minister said, adding that efforts continue to identify the other 18 bodies.

Soylu said police forces were hunting down the terrorist.

"Our law enforcement has launched an operation. We hope he or she will be caught before long," he said.

The interior minister also mentioned that 69 people are also in hospitals, receiving treatment.

“4 of those injured are in a critical condition. One of them is severely injured," Soylu said.

The attack took place early Sunday when a man with long-barreled gun broke into the club after killing the police officer outside.

AA/MNA