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Istanbul nightclub attack suspect 'admits guilt' after capture

The alleged gunman who killed 39 people during an attack on a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year celebrations has been captured in the city, Turkey's prime minister has confirmed.

Istanbul's governor said the suspect admitted his guilt and that it was "clear" the attack was carried out on behalf of so-called Islamic State.

He also revealed the suspect, who he named as Abdulgadir Masharipov, was born in Uzbekistan and had received training in Afghanistan before entering Turkey illegally.

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Istanbul nightclub attacker 'caught in Istanbul district'

A manhunt has been under way for the suspected Istanbul attacker. Credit: AP

The suspected gunman who killed 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Day has been caught in the city's Esenyurt district, according to various Turkish media.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

Soon after the attack, Turkish authorities identified the main suspect who they said was a member of the Uighur community - a Muslim group who lived in western China.

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