US President Barack Obama expressed condolences for the attack in a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, and directed his team to offer US help to Turkish authorities, the White House said, according to TASS news agency of Russia. 

“This afternoon the president was briefed by his national security team on the attack in Istanbul,” Eric Schultz, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary, said. “The president expressed condolences for the innocent lives lost, directed his team to offer appropriate assistance to the Turkish authorities, as necessary, and keep him updated as warranted.”

A gunman had opened fire on partygoers at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Reina nightclub in Istanbul, killing and wounding numerous people.