Istanbul– Turkish officials said three attackers opened fire on police outside an Israeli consulate building in Istanbul on Tuesday, leading to a shootout that killed one attacker. Two other attackers were injured and captured.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters that two police officers suffered minor injuries in the clash. The attackers had long weapons.
Interior Minister Mustafa Sifti wrote on Twitter that the attackers had arrived in a rented car from the city of Izmit, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Istanbul. One of the attackers was linked to a group he described as “exploiting religion”, without naming the organization.
The Islamic State group has previously carried out deadly attacks in Türkiye.
The two injured attackers are brothers, identified as Onur C. and Enes C.. Has a previous criminal record related to drugs. According to the Interior Ministry, both are being interrogated.
Video of the attack showed one of the attackers carrying an assault rifle, wearing a brown backpack and hiding behind a bus while exchanging gunfire with police. A police officer falls to the ground, apparently shot, and then goes behind a tree to hide.
The Interior Ministry said one police officer was injured in the leg and another was injured in the ear.
The Consulate is located in a high-rise building in Levant, one of the main business districts of the city. Officials said there are no Israeli diplomats present at the Israeli mission in Türkiye. Israel recalled its diplomats amid security concerns over the war in Gaza and deteriorating relations with Türkiye.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, had been assigned to lead the investigation.
Police sealed off the building and blocked several roads while forensic experts in white protective suits searched the area for evidence.
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack condemned the attack and praised Turkish authorities for “their quick and decisive response”.
“Attacks on diplomatic missions are an attack on the international order – and an attack on the principles that bind countries together,” he wrote on X.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and praised Turkish security forces’ “quick action in thwarting this attack”.
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A previous version of this article, relying on Türkiye’s Haberturk news, incorrectly reported that two attackers were killed. According to Turkish officials, only one of the three attackers was killed, while the other two were wounded and captured.
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Fraser reported from Ankara, Türkiye.
