Gunfire erupted near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, resulting in the death of one assailant and the neutralization of two others, as confirmed by Turkish authorities. The Interior Minister of Turkey, Mustafa Ciftci, disclosed that one of the suspects has affiliations with a group exploiting religious beliefs.
During the incident, two police officers sustained injuries as they engaged with the armed attackers who attempted to breach the section of the building housing Israel’s diplomatic offices. Fortunately, no consulate staff were present at the time. The Israeli foreign ministry expressed condemnation for the attack and praised the swift response of the Turkish security forces.
Reports indicate that the attackers, armed with long guns and clad in camouflage, were aiming to reach the consulate’s diplomatic section. Authorities swiftly mobilized a significant police presence outside the consulate following the confrontation.
Governor Davut Gul stated that one attacker was killed, and two others were neutralized after a brief six-minute exchange of gunfire. The individuals involved in the clash have been identified, with one having links to a religiously exploitative organization.
The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities aiming to uncover further details about the shootout. The Israeli consulate in Istanbul, situated in the Levent business district, has been closed for approximately a year and a half, as reported by Turkish media.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek confirmed the launch of an immediate investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in response to the gunfire incident near the consulate. Efforts are ongoing to thoroughly examine all aspects of the event in collaboration with law enforcement units.
