(VOVworld) – Michael McCaul, Chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security, said Akhmed Chatayev, a Chechen extremist masterminded behind Istanbul airport attack that killed 44 people.

Islamic State commander Akhmed Chatayev was identified as the organizer of the attack on Istanbul Ataturk Airport that killed 44. Forensic police are shown here investigating the scene. (Photo: Laurance Cameron/UP)

Speaking on CNN on Friday, Mr. McCaul said Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night’s attack at Ataturk Airport and that it is unclear where he is now. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. The 35-year-old was sentenced to 16 months for smuggling an automatic weapon and two handguns with munition and silencers into Sweden in on March 3, 2008, according to the city court in the southern Sweden port city of Ystad. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack but Turkey authorities thought that the Islamic State may mastermind the attack.