ISTANBUL

Police in Istanbul arrested two more suspects on Tuesday in connection with the New Year’s Eve nightclub attack that killed 39 people, bringing up the total number of arrested to 16, a security official said.

Turkish anti-terror teams stopped the foreign national duo at the search point of the entrance of Istanbul Ataturk Airport’s international departures. 

The suspects’ mobile phones and baggage were searched in detail. They were later were taken to Istanbul police headquarters. 

On Monday, eight people were arrested by anti-terror police from Istanbul, followed by a further six suspects on earlier Tuesday. 

These suspects are currently testifying, the official said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Authorities have released security camera images of the alleged killer, who shot dead a police officer and civilian outside the venue on the European shore of the Bosporus before entering and opening fire on revelers.