One gunman was killed and two others were “neutralized” following a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, as confirmed by Turkish authorities. The attack resulted in injuries to two police officers, with the assailants identified by Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, who mentioned that one suspect has connections to a religiously exploitative organization.
According to CNN Turk, a confrontation erupted in a gunfight between police officers and the gunmen who were attempting to reach the consulate building where Israel’s diplomatic offices are situated. The Israeli foreign ministry responded by investigating the incident and stated that the consulate was unstaffed during the attack. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into the matter, as announced by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek.
In a statement, the Israeli foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack on the consulate, praising the prompt action of Turkish security forces in thwarting the assault. Reports from Turkish media described the suspects as armed with long guns, dressed in camouflage attire, and carrying backpacks.
A substantial police presence was observed in front of the consulate in the Levent business district on Istanbul’s European side, as reported by AFP. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confirmed that one attacker was killed, and two others were neutralized, with two police officers sustaining injuries during the attack. The altercation lasted approximately six minutes, according to CNN Turk.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci disclosed that three individuals were involved in the shooting, with the terrorists arriving in Istanbul from Izmit in a rental vehicle. While details about the shootout remain unclear, Halk TV reported that the clash lasted several minutes, causing citizens to seek shelter behind their vehicles.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the prompt launch of an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office following the gunfire near the Israeli Consulate in Beşiktaş. The ministry assured ongoing efforts to comprehensively investigate the incident in collaboration with law enforcement units.