UPDATE - Top Turkish diplomat slams terror attack in New Zealand

UPDATES WITH CONDEMNATION OF TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's foreign minister on Friday condemned terrorist attacks targeting two mosques in New Zealand.

"I condemn the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated against two mosques in #Christchurch in #NewZealand," Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Twitter.

Cavusoglu wished God’s mercy to those who lost their lives and speedy recovery to the wounded.

"Not only the perpetrators, but also politicians&media, that fuel the already escalated Islamophobia and hate in the West, are equally responsible for this heinous attack," he added.

Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the mass shooting targeting New Zealand mosques in a statement.

"We condemn these heinous attacks. We express our condolences to the relatives of people who lost their lives and the people of the New Zealand," it read.

Turkey believes that New Zealand will carry out effective investigation into attacks, understood to be motived by Islamophobia, and bring perpetrators to justice as soon as possible, the statement added.

At least 49 people were reportedly killed in twin attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, according to New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Police earlier reported that at least four people were taken into custody after the armed attacks.