Islamic State claims responsibility for Orlando nightclub shooting

The Islamic State (IS) -linked news agency Amaq said on Sunday that the Islamist militant group was responsible for the shooting that killed at least 50 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

"The attack that targeted a nightclub for homosexuals in Orlando, Florida and left more than 100 dead and wounded was carried out by an Islamic State fighter," said Amaq in a short English statement that went online Sunday evening.

At least 50 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in the shooting at the popular gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida. It is the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history since the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

The IS has a recorded history in targeting homosexuals in areas under its control in Syria and Iraq, from tossing them from rooftops to stoning them to death.

(APD)