Three assailants opened fire at police outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, triggering a gunfight that killed one attacker and left two others wounded and in custody, Turkish officials reported. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the clash.
Attackers traced to Izmit
Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti stated the assailants had travelled from Izmit, about 100 kilometres east of Istanbul, in a rented car. One attacker is linked to a group described as “exploiting religion,” though authorities have not named the organisation. The wounded assailants are brothers, Onur C. and Enes C., with one having a prior drug-related criminal record.
Security response and investigation
Video footage showed an assailant armed with what appeared to be an assault rifle exchanging fire with police. The consulate, located in a high-rise in Istanbul’s Levent business district, had no Israeli diplomats present, as Israel withdrew staff amid security concerns. Police sealed the area, blocked roads, and forensic teams combed the scene. Three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, have been assigned to lead the investigation.
International reactions
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, condemned the attack, praising Turkish authorities for their “swift and decisive response” and emphasising that attacks on diplomatic missions undermine international order. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the attack and commended Turkish security forces for thwarting it.
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