Three attackers engaged in gunfire with police outside the Israeli Consulate building in Istanbul, resulting in one attacker being killed and the capture of the other two assailants. According to Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, two police officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. The attackers were armed with long-barreled weapons.
The Israeli Consulate is situated in a high-rise building in Levent, a prominent business district in the city. Israeli diplomats were not present at the consulate due to security concerns and strained relations between Israel and Turkey during the Gaza conflict. Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti revealed that the attackers had traveled from Izmit, located about 100 kilometers east of Istanbul, in a rented vehicle. He mentioned that one of the assailants had ties to a group exploiting religion without specifying the organization.
The wounded suspects are brothers and are currently under interrogation by the Interior Ministry. Video footage of the incident showed one of the attackers carrying what seemed to be an assault rifle and engaging in a gunfight with the police. One police officer was wounded in the leg, while another was injured in the ear, as reported by the Interior Ministry.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, have been appointed to oversee the investigation. The area surrounding the building was cordoned off by the police, and forensic experts in protective gear searched for evidence.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with police officers seeking cover behind parked cars and communicating during the exchange of gunfire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack as “treacherous” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to combatting terrorism. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, also condemned the attack and praised the swift response of Turkish authorities. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the incident and commended Turkish security forces for their prompt actions.
(Photo: A drone view showing police officers and medics near the consulate on Tuesday. Credit: Mehmet Emin Caliskan/Reuters)